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July 2014 l 05
business WORLD
PreSonus pushes into large-scale PA market
WorxAudio deal underlines PreSonus’ serious approach to higher end pro-audio applications, writes Dave Robinson
PreSonus has announced the acquisition of loudspeaker manufacturer WorxAudio Technologies, Inc., of North Carolina.
The move will enable PreSonus to add considerable muscle to the loudspeaker development plans it set in motion at the 2013 NAMM Show with the launch of the AI series speakers. PreSonus seeks to capitalise in particular in areas of “drivers, system and mechanical design, system tuning, and rigging- system design”. In addition, says the Louisiana-based company, WorxAudio’s knowledge of the commercial sound and portable/touring markets will help PreSonus develop the infrastructure required to support the specific requirements of those customers.
Founded in 1979 by CEO and director of engineering Hugh Sarvis, WorxAudio is a major provider of loudspeaker systems in the mid-to-large church market, professional touring
PreSonus chairman Kevin Kouhig (left) with WorxAudio founder Hugh Sarvis
and corporate AV channels, but has little penetration outside of North America.
“This is a logical move for us,” observes PreSonus CEO Jim Mack. “Our StudioLive AI series loudspeakers are great for small to medium- sized venues, but the advanced DSP platform utilised in the AI speaker line, including the optional Dante networking capability, is extremely valuable for systems designed for much larger venues and environments. The acquisition of WorxAudio
significantly extends our product line to provide advanced networked loudspeaker systems to a much larger audience.” WorxAudio was one of the first loudspeaker companies to implement ‘FIRmaker’, a software tool developed by AFMG of Berlin (the company behind EASE) and released last year. FIRmaker enables a PA system to be quickly primed for optimal audience coverage in the particular venue.
A spokesperson confirmed that, at the time of the deal, PreSonus would be working on bringing WorxAudio products into Europe, but details of any kind of timescale were not agreed.
In the UK, PreSonus products are distributed by HHB Communications/ Source. Source’s Howard Jones confirmed the company will carry the PA lines as they come online, under the responsibility of recently recruited live sound specialist Tim Gray.
www.presonus.com www.worxaudio.com
NETHERLANDS
AFG takes controlling share of Purple Group
By Dave Robinson
Utrecht-based sales and rental giant Ampco Flashlight Group has taken a “strategic interest” in the Purple Group, a smaller Dutch operation based 66km to the south with much experience in dance music events. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Marcel Albers, director of communications and marketing for Ampco Flashlight Holding BV, told PSNEurope it was a “controlling share”. Consolidation by strategic alliance or acquisition has become a common theme within the entertainment equipment supply industry, so it comes as no surprise that AFG is expanding by applying a similar tactic. As Albers puts it: “This participation is in line with market developments and fits perfectly within the current view of the AFG as a leading service company within the live entertainment industry: from one’s own strength it is working closely together with its fellow ‘full service’ businesses.
“As a result, the cooperation supports the great demand for tailor-made solutions from the broadcast, theatre, live and corporate event market.” Purple Group – already part of Ampco’s ‘Synco Network’ since 2005 – has been in operation for around 25 years and holds a
Dick van Berkum of Ampco Flashlight
large inventory of L-Acoustics systems, including K1. Dick van Berkum, CEO of Ampco Flashlight Group, says: “The Purple Group has a strong presence in the field of electronic dance music (EDM) and festivals. Additionally, it is a major player in sound and light for Dutch artists. We are proud that our healthy financial basis makes this participation possible, and we look forward to the future with great confidence.” Harry Zinken and Robert de Loey, directors at Purple Group, add: “Both companies are no strangers to each other. During the greater part of our existence, we have been working together regularly, and the culture of both companies complement each other very well.”
www.ampco-flashlight.com www.purplegroup.nl
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