Loud Technologies Buys Martin Audio
Loud Technologies has purchased UK loudspeaker manufacturer Martin Audio. The 35-year-old company is distributed internationally to 50 territories and employs about 60 people at its head office in High Wycombe, UK. Loud is the corporate parent of pro audio companies such as EAW, Mackie and SIA, as well as numerous music industry brands, including Alvarez, Ampeg, Crate and St. Louis Music.
The sale of Martin Audio to Loud is the second sale of a British loudspeaker manufacturer announced in recent weeks, the first being the purchase of Turbosound by Italian manufacturer Proel spa. “It’s always a time for speculation when these buyouts occur,” said Rob Hofkamp, Director North American Operations for Martin Audio. “There’s a few buyouts at the moment but it’ll make for an interesting time and I think you’ll see some benefits for the companies and their customers as well. I really believe that this is a positive thing with Martin being in the UK; there’s a history to the name, a pedigree in it and they have a good business model that we will continue to build upon. What it comes down to is that Martin needs access to more resources in order to continue to grow at the rate enjoyed over that last 10 years and becoming part of LOUD will allow that to happen. Martin also has some unique engineering and market skills that can strongly benefit other parts of the LOUD organization.”
While Loud has moved much of its manufacturing to Asia in recent times, reportedly Martin’s product will continue to be produced in the UK, and its management likewise will remain there as well. With the sale, Martin Audio becomes the fourth brand of loudspeakers under the Loud umbrella, joining the likes of Mackie and Tapco.
In the UK, Martin Audio’s marketing director Rob Lingfield said that, despite an inevitable clash of product lines with EAW, Loud currently had no plans to dispose of its incumbent loudspeaker brand.
Explaining the sale in a company statement, Bissett-Powell noted, “to be a small independent is becoming tougher on the world stage. Customers are seeking more of an integrated approach, and the merging of technologies is inevitable. We recognize the need for multiple disciplines, and by becoming part of Loud, we immediately have access to further resources, both technical and financial, to assist our team in reaching their goals.”
More information on Martin Audio and Loud Technologies.
