Turbosound acquired by the Music Group
Published: ASIA
WORLD: The Music Group has announced its purchase of UK-based loudspeaker manufacturer Turbosound, with CEO Uli Behringer promising to ‘invest heavily in positioning Turbosound at the very pinnacle of the industry’.
The announcement comes in the wake of long-term industry speculation that the Music Group was seeking to add a high-end loudspeaker brand to its portfolio following its purchase of Midas and Klark Teknik in December 2009. The new owner has referred to Turbosound as an ‘anchor brand to the Music Group’s continued expansion into professional markets’.
Founded by Tony Andrews and John Newsham in the 1970s, Turbosound became one of the most respected touring sound brands of the 1980s and 1990s. Having won the UK’s Queen’s Award three times (for Export Achievement in 1987 and 1997, and for Innovation in 2012), the West Sussex, England-based manufacturer was last acquired in 2007 by Italy’s Proel Group.
This latest purchase was greeted with enthusiasm by Turbosound managing director Simon Blackwood, who commented: ‘With the incredible people and resources of the Music Group behind us, I am thrilled to enter a new era of unprecedented growth’.
Meanwhile, Mr Behringer explained the reasons behind the deal: ‘Since the acquisition of Midas and Klark Teknik we have been pursuing a loudspeaker brand that complements the consoles and processing offered by these historic brands. Throughout our search, Turbosound has stood out as the ideal match because of their extensive IP, sterling reputation and a first-class team of people. I am very proud to welcome Simon Blackwood and his team to our family.’
According to the Music Group, the addition of the new brand will allow it to deliver ‘complete system solutions to touring and install customers’, and while Turbosound ‘will benefit from the Music Group’s infrastructure’, its manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution network will remain independent.