What Digico Did Next

Okay, Audiotonix is more than Digico, since CEO James Gordon made moves on Allen & Heath, Calrec, and SSL to form a mixing console Super Group. But he’s clearly got Audiotonix sights set even higher after reaching an agreement with huge private investment house, Ardian. Ardian manages assets in excess of US$90bn across Europe, the Americas and Asia. 

James Gordon, Audiotonix CEO, is clear on the benefits the new investment agreement will bring. “This is an outstanding opportunity to partner with Ardian to enable further growth, and it represents a significant step in the future development of Audiotonix. We have built an incredible infrastructure within the group in the past five years, which has clearly benefited all our brands with manufacturing know-how, developing new technologies, and growing their worldwide reach. Ardian’s financial support and advice, combined with Astorg’s, who are also remaining as an investor for this next phase, will help expand our brands and product portfolio even further.”

Olivier Personnaz, Managing Director, Ardian Buyout, comments: “How people enjoy live, televised and streamed entertainment is going through a revolution. The world’s top acts, performers, broadcasters and supporting creative industries, want to give audiences the very best experience. Events, music and media content are becoming more immersive, embracing new technology and relying even more on great sound. That’s why we are excited about how this new partnership will help Audiotonix differentiate itself even further through the undisputed quality of its audio technology and service to customers. The highly experienced management team are well placed to grow the scope and reach of the business, delivering outstanding audio experiences to more and more people worldwide.”

François de Mitry, Managing Partner, and Stéphane Epin, Partner, Astorg, said: “We’re very proud to have supported Audiotonix during an acceleration phase of their history, at a time when private equity was not so familiar with professional audio. Under our tenure, the group launched an amazing series of very successful new products, acquired the brilliant “boutique” brand SSL and the exciting technology of KLANG. Many new projects have their coat and hat on and are ready to go out. No less importantly, many new senior talents joined Audiotonix, and have strengthened the team ahead of a new phase of expansion. We’re thrilled to go on supporting the journey.”

Since its initial formation with leading pro audio brands Allen & Heath, Calrec and DiGiCo in 2014, Audiotonix has seen expansion of its business and portfolio with further acquisitions. In 2017, the group integrated leading US importer and distributor Group One Ltd, and in December of that year purchased prestige studio console brand, Solid State Logic. In December 2018, DiGiCo announced the acquisition of KLANG:technologies, a pioneer in immersive sound technology and personal In-Ear monitoring solutions.