Barco, a publically trading company, specialising in display technologies for healthcare, cinema and corporate applications, has announced that it has reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of VerVent Audio Holding, a French-British joint-stock company which owns Focal and Naim Audio audio brands.
In the press-release, An Steegen, CEO of Barco, commented of Barco’s ambition to shape the future of immersive audiovisual experiences by welcoming iconic Focal and Naim brands into the Barco family and the company’s strategic ambition to deliver fully integrated solutions where image and sound reinforce each other seamlessly.
The premium audio market (audiophile consumer audio and high-end home cinema) is estimated at more than €3 billion, and Barco thinks that VerVent Audio Holding offers an extensive portfolio of premium loudspeakers, immersive and active audio solutions, headphones, studio monitors and automotive and yachting OEM systems, complemented by a growing custom installation and home theatre across two such well-recognised brands as Naim Audio and Focal. Its strong global retail and distribution network — including more than 80 premium boutiques and thousands of sales points — provides an immediate platform for go-to-market acceleration.
The Enterprise Value (overall value including equity and debt) of the acquisition is approx. €135 million. The transaction is planned to be financed with Barco’s own funds. VerVent generates annual revenues of around €110 million.
After closing, VerVent will be integrated into Barco’s Entertainment division. Barco intends to support the company’s ongoing strategic plan, which focuses on high‑end premium audio positioning, a technology upgrade towards digital, active and connected products, portfolio rationalization and leveraging its sales network, including consumer channels and brand licensing.
The completion of the transaction remains subject to the prior information and consultation of the employee representative bodies, in accordance with applicable legislation, as well as customary closing conditions.
Focal and Naim Audio merged in 2011 and were bought in 2014 by a group of French investment firms with majority stakes for Naxicap Partners who formed Vervent Audio Group with minority shareholders (Aquasourca and Focal Naim Audio management teams). In 2019 majority of stakes in Vervent Audio Group was purchased by trans-european equity firm Alpha Private Equity.
Barco NV, which is headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, was founded in 1934 as Belgium American Radio Corporation and currently employs more than 3200 people in a number of locations worldwide.
Written by Sergei Taranov
