Browne Jacobson advises Focal on merger with Naim Audio
22 August 2011
The corporate team at Browne Jacobson has advised leading
acoustic speaker manufacturer Focal on its merger with Naim
Audio.
With a joint turnover exceeding £48 million Focal & Co will
employ 325 people at its facilities in Saint-Etienne, France and
Salisbury, UK.
Focal was established in 1980 by audio engineer Jacques Mahul
and currently employs over 200 employees.
The company produces high-end audio speakers for the home,
automotive and recording studio markets for over 80 countries
worldwide. It is the biggest loudspeaker manufacturer in France and
one of the top 10 in the world.
Naim Audio manufactures high-fidelity audio electronics,
including CD players,
hard disk players, tuners, amplifiers, loudspeakers and
all-in-one systems. The business was founded by Julian Vereker MBE
in 1969 and is based in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Corporate Partner Richard Cox, who led the Browne Jacobson team,
commented:
“Both businesses are synonymous with innovation, cutting edge
technology and above all exceptionally high standards of quality.
This merger will create a new European powerhouse in high end audio
products and is an excellent strategic opportunity in what is a
highly competitive niche market.”
Focal were also advised by Constantin, DDA & Company and
Cabinet Duteil Avocats. Law firm Farrer & Co and Smith &
Williamson Corporate Finance advised Naim Audio.