Transaction Demonstrates Market Leadership Through Consolidation
BOSTON November 4, 2021 — MediaBridge Capital Advisors today announced that it served as the exclusive investment advisor to Sounds Devices LLC, the pioneering manufacturer of premier audio production recording and mixing equipment, in its sale to Audiotonix, a global market leader of professional audio mixing consoles and related products for the professional broadcast, live sound and studio markets. Audiotonix is a portfolio company of Ardian, a global private equity firm with over $100 billion under management. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed
For over 20 years, Sound Devices, headquartered in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, has designed and built award-winning multi-track audio recorders, field production mixers, high-end wireless microphone systems, and related equipment. Sound Devices products have become the de facto audio production standard for major movies and TV shows, documentaries, and for a range of broadcast applications.
Matt Anderson and Jon Tatooles, co-founders of Sound Devices, remarked, “It has been an incredible journey to build Sound Devices over the last 23 years into the organization it is today. Audiotonix brings us more strength in terms of access to capital, depth in manufacturing, knowledge in engineering, sourcing of parts, and expanding our sales and marketing presence. Audiotonix is a great organization that will build on the success we have achieved. We don’t believe there is a better partner.“
James Gordon, CEO of Audiotonix, commented, “The addition of Sound Devices and their fantastic team to our portfolio of premium audio brands is a proud moment for all involved. Their expertise and technical pedigree in film production, broadcasting and professional recording is a great fit.”
Matt Anderson and Jon Tatooles noted, “The MediaBridge team played an important role in the execution of this transaction. They helped manage the complex acquisition process through a challenging time, and we are very appreciative of their experience and advice throughout the transaction.” James Gordon of Audiotonix added, “The MediaBridge team are experts in the Pro Audio marketplace. As was our experience with MediaBridge in the purchase of another leading audio manufacturer, they are highly successful in matching companies with highly complementary products, capabilities, and teams.”
John Bowen and Courtney Spencer, Managing Partners of MediaBridge, remarked, “Early in the process we identified the potential synergies between these two highly-respected companies. As they engaged with each other, the principals quickly recognized their shared values and the many potential benefits that joining forces would create. We see a very bright future for them.”