42 l May 2013
www.psneurope.com livenews UNITED KINGDOM SSE acquires Wigwam Acoustics
The consolidation of the two companies creates the UK’s largest audio hire, sales and installation group, writes Dave Robinson
SSE AUDIOGroup has acquired Lancashire-based rental house Wigwam Acoustics for an undisclosed amount. The deal, which includes Wigwam’s Mick Spratt and Chris Hill taking a shareholding in Midlands-based SSE, marks a major consolidation in the rental industry, as it creates the largest audio hire, sales and installation group in the UK. John Penn, managing director
of the group, said: “We are extremely proud to have joined forces with Wigwam. There are great synergies between the two companies and together we aim to deliver even better service and wider choice to our enlarged client base.”
Both companies have a strong presence in the UK touring
(L-R): SSE’s Ian Bidmead, Wigwam’s Andrew Lee, Chris Hill, Mick Spratt and SSE’s Heather and John Penn
market having been closely involved in its growth and development for the past 35 years, working with artists such as UB40, Madness and Metallica. SSE Audio Group provides audio production to the majority of the UK’s leading music festivals, such as Reading & Leeds, V Festivals, T in the Park and Download, while Wigwam has a strong reputation in the touring market with artists at stadium level, including Coldplay and George Michael. Heather Penn, SSE finance
director, confirmed that there had been no redundancies in the deal. SSE and Wigwam both have
strong sales and installation divisions and these will now be integrated. Alex Penn has been
appointed sales director to lead the expanded equipment sales department. Following the acquisition by SSE Audio Group of ETA Sound in 2012, the installation and servicing of PA/VA equipment in arenas, stadiums and public spaces countrywide has been added to the portfolio. Wigwam is active in installations in complementary markets such as houses of worship and theatres. Mick Spratt, director of
Wigwam, said: “We have been talking to SSE about joining up for some time. Chris [Hill] and I were looking to secure a long-term future for Wigwam and our staff which would be least disruptive to what is a very successful company. We’ve
known and respected John and Heather for over 30 years and believe that both companies have similar cultures and vision.” Yan Stile, SSE’s hire director
and founder of Canegreen which joined SSE Audio Group in 2008, added: “I didn’t know what to expect when Canegreen merged with SSE five years ago… but I have to say it was the best thing we ever did. I’m so pleased that the Wigwam guys have had the same foresight and we can’t wait to get it all moving.” John Penn added: “From the customer perspective, nothing will change at Wigwam. The company is very successful and much loved, and we don’t want to mess about with that formula. What we can add are our
information technology systems and equipment management software, and of course our combined equipment pool will enable the group to offer L-Acoustics, d&b, Meyer, Adamson and Nexo systems to both companies’ clients. Mick and Chris will still be there but will have more time to spend looking after their customers.” Wigwam’s Manchester base will be added to SSE’s current locations – a HQ in Redditch plus London and Bradford, Paris and Nantes (Melpomen). The expanded company now employs 140 full-time staff with combined revenue in excess of £20 million (€23.5 million). Heather Penn said: “None of
us are retiring yet, but we do have the next generation in waiting. It’s our strength.” She also revealed how she and her husband celebrated the expansion. “We went to Morrison’s (supermarket restaurant). I had a tuna jacket and John had the full English. We hold regular board meetings there: it was there we agreed to spend one million on [L-Acoustics] K1.”n
www.sseaudiogroup.com www.wigwamacoustics.co.uk
Combined revenue of the expanded company €23.5 million
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