Focusrite Group Acquires Linea Research
Focusrite a music and audio products company supplying hardware and software used by
professional
and amateur musicians and the entertainment industry, is pleased to announce the acquisition of
Linea Research Holdings Ltd ("Linea"), a UK based designer and manufacturer of professional
audio
equipment.
Linea, headquartered in Letchworth Garden City, UK was formed in 2003 by a team of experienced
professional audio specialists, and they design, develop, manufacture and market innovative
professional audio equipment globally. Their products include a range of amplifiers, including M
Series, together with Digital Signal Processors, audio networking and software products. Two of the
original founders, Davey Smalley, Commercial Director, and Ben Ver, Engineering Director, will
continue to lead the business post-acquisition.
Focusrite's subsidiary Martin Audio is a significant customer of Linea - Linea technology has the
iKON amplifier series that powers Wavefront Precision line arrays seen on live tours and at
festivals such as British Summer Time in Hyde Park.
The acquisition strengthens the critical source of supply of amplifier modules for Martin Audio and
will enable greater integration of loudspeaker and amplifier technology in Martin Audio products.
However, it is also the intention to continue to develop the sales of Linea products through
third-party distribution and to OEM loudspeaker customers.
By extending the Group's business into new products and markets, which complement its existing
offerings, the acquisition is strategically aligned with the Group's previously communicated aims of
growing the core customer base, expanding into new markets, and increasing lifetime value for
customers.
Tim Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, said, “It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Davey, Ben
and
the entire Linea team to the Focusrite Group. We know the team and the business well given that
Martin Audio is a major Linea customer. This will lead to many synergies and is expected to improve
gross margin for both Martin Audio and the wider Group. Linea's products are globally recognised as
best in class, and we are all excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead with
the collective expertise of the Linea and Focusrite Group R&D and sales teams."
In a joint statement Davey Smalley and Ben Ver, Directors at Linea comments, "we are delighted to be
able to continue the Linea success story from within the Focusrite Group. Having seen the support
and growth of the brands within the Group, we believe this provides us with a secure foundation to
further our R&D efforts and product portfolio, strengthening the Linea brand while continuing
partnerships with our long-standing OEM partners. This can only be a good thing for our customers,
end users and very much our staff."