EvolutionCBS Client, Sonnox, sold to Focusrite plc
EvolutionCBS is delighted to announce the acquisition of its Client Sonnox Limited, the leading designer of innovative and high-quality audio processing Plug-Ins for professional and amateur audio engineers, by Focusrite plc (AIM: TUNE), the global music and audio products group supplying hardware and software used by professional and amateur musicians and the entertainment industry.
Based near Oxford, Sonnox is a well-established and acclaimed brand in the global audio industry. Its range of innovative, high quality, award-winning processing software is used in a wide range of audio applications including mixing for music production, live sound, broadcast, TV & Film, and even scientific and forensics projects.
Rod Densham, Founder and Managing Director of Sonnox said: “Sonnox is in a strong financial position, expanding our customer base and consistently delivering profit. We believe that by joining Focusrite with their scale, industry expertise and range of premium brands, we can continue to grow, and deliver innovation and excellence to current and future customers alike. Focusrite have a proven track record of achieving this in our industry, and we are very excited to become part of their Group.”
The acquisition adds audio software to Focusrite’s growing portfolio, specifically complementing its existing offerings in the recording space, and aligned with its previously communicated strategic aims of growing the core customer base, expanding into new markets, and increasing lifetime value for its customers.
Tim Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of Focusrite added: “This is our first acquisition in the audio software market, and it is an absolute pleasure to welcome Rod and his entire team to the Focusrite Group. Sonnox’s products are globally recognised as best in class, making them a natural fit in our stable, and we are all excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead with the collective expertise of our combined sales and R&D teams.
EvolutionCBS Client Director Steve Barry, who led the transaction, commented: “We are delighted to have yet again delivered such an outstanding result for our Client. Interest in what Rod and the team there have so successfully created over the years was amazingly strong – with serious interest coming from both the Americas and from across multiple ‘suitors’ within mainland Europe. In the end, the potential synergies being unlocked between Sonnox and their successful acquirer were just too powerful to ignore and this transaction will deliver great benefits for both parties. Specifically for Rod and his team, it enables them to move forward with global backing as they continue to develop the world famous Sonnox brand – which was always the most powerful driver at the heart of his thinking – whilst personally giving him the opportunity to unlock the value created in the business over so many years.”
About EvolutionCBS
As a long-established premium provider of business sale advisory services to UK businesses, EvolutionCBS offers business owners a complimentary and confidential discussion on how their specific objectives could be met and provide pragmatic, practical advice on how to begin preparing both themselves and their businesses for a future sale.
EvolutionCBS works with owners of UK businesses in any sector, finding buyers from around the world through highly targeted research and supporting clients with dedicated Director-led teams, at every stage of their journey to a successful sale.