Established by Pete Wandless and Ralph Dunlop, Sound Network is highly regarded for its exceptional audio expertise, committed staff and dedicated technical support. The distributor has been key to DPA’s success in the UK, particularly in the broadcast, live sound and theatre markets where DPA’s high quality microphone solutions are regularly used on prestigious live shows and productions.
DPA’s decision to acquire Sound Network came after Wandless and Dunlop announced their intention to retire from the business they had founded in 1994.
“Sound Network has been a marvelous ambassador for DPA for many years and has invested heavily in the brand,” says DPA’s CEO Kalle Hvidt Nielsen. “By acquiring the business, we can maintain our close cooperation with the company and build on the strong relationships Sound Network already has with our all-important UK dealers and customers. Sound Network has a large range of prestigious customers, including most of the West End theaters that are influential beyond the borders of the UK. We will now be much closer to these important customers and that will give us even more insight into the environment in which our microphones are being used.”
For Ralph Dunlop and Pete Wandless, the decision to part from Sound Network was not taken lightly, but both believe DPA’s acquisition is a sign of progress of the company.
“This acquisition secures the longevity of the company Pete and I built together, and for the most fantastic team that exists within it,” Ralph Dunlop says. “It will offer greater opportunities for those involved, on both sides, and I am convinced its future is in safe hands. The years catch up with you, and the time has come for us to hand the baton to a new generation of innovators. Pete and I have no regrets and many, many, happy memories, some of which cannot be repeated. We wish our dedicated team and the new owners all the success in the future, convinced the company will take microphone technology and education to new heights."
On a day to day level, the acquisition means business as usual because all of Sound Network’s staff will remain with the company in their usual roles. The company name will also continue, as will its distribution arrangements with other manufacturers such as Sony Pro Audio, Meris, Bubblebee Industries, Quested Monitors, Smart Research and China Cones.
Adam Pierce, Sound Network’s Sales and Marketing Director who will now head up the company and report directly to DPA’s EVP of Sales Nikolaj Forsberg, says: “Sound Network has aligned itself with DPA’s philosophy since its inception, so this is the next logical step for both companies to continue their growth and ambitions in the UK market. Sound Network’s reputation for high level service and expertise will only be strengthened by a closer partnership with DPA Microphones and while it is 'business as usual’, our customers and our other manufacture partners will definitely benefit from this move. DPA have always inspired us as a brand, through its incredible product portfolio and its people, so we are delighted to become part of the family.”
The DPA brand is already well established in the UK where it is recognized for its durability, clarity and consistency. Products like the d:screet Miniature Microphones are already the mainstay of many theatre productions in the West End, which is an inspirational reference point for the global theatre industry. This same industry is among those that are really gaining value from the newly introduced ‘CORE by DPA’ microphone technology that reduces distortion and increases dynamic range. Another innovative product launched recently is the pocket-sized d:vice Digital Audio Interface that enables content makers such as live and mobile journalists to record and broadcast studio quality audio while on the move.
“Our opportunity to get closer to Sound Network will benefit everyone in the DPA sales channel, even outside the UK,” Kalle Hvidt Nielsen says. “DPA is growing at a rapid pace and is committed to developing new products that accurately reflect the needs of our customers. More involvement in the UK market and closer communication between Sound Network and DPA’s head office in Denmark will allow us to better determine what the market needs.”
Dedicated German Team
DPA Microphones is also strengthening its presence in Germany by setting up a dedicated DPA sales team to handle this very important market. The new structure will transform DPA’s partnership with distributor Mega Audio and allow both companies to focus on their core strengths. From March 1st 2018, Mega Audio will become a master dealer, while DPA Germany will have overall responsibility for all sales in Germany. Until DPA Germany opens on March 1st 2018, business will continue through Mega Audio GmbH as it has in the past.
“Germany is an incredibly important market for DPA and one where we see great potential for future growth,” says DPA’s CEO Kalle Hvidt Nielsen. “Over the years, Mega Audio has been key to our success in Germany, helping us establish DPA’s reputation for high quality and reliability. However, the pace at which DPA is growing and the speed at which we are developing innovative new products means that we need to have an even closer cooperation with our dealer network and have direct access to our customers. As a master dealer, Mega Audio continues to be a vital part of this equation by providing support and assistance to the German market. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, including our dealers and customers who will benefit from a well-coordinated sales and support network.”
Burkhard Elsner, CEO of Mega Audio, adds: “We value our close relationship with DPA and recognize that the brand’s success benefits us all. These changes are strategically important for DPA and serves DPA’s strategy to expand in markets where they see high potential for growth. We will continue our partnership as DPA’s Master Dealer in Germany, concentrating on the direct sales and services to our valued customers. We look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with DPA, as well as with our customer base.”
To facilitate a smooth transition, DPA Germany will be headed by Martin Kaaber, DPA’s VP of Sales for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Baltic countries. Key members of Mega Audio’s sales force will be invited to join DPA Germany from March 1st. As well as handling sales and support, they will also play a key role in providing customer feedback, which will help DPA deliver high levels of service.
“These are exhilarating times for DPA and we have plenty more innovations in the pipeline,” Kalle Hvidt Nielsen, CEO at DPA Microphones, says. “Continuity for the DPA brand is important and Mega Audio has created a good platform in Germany. With this huge investment, we want to take the brand, as well as the customer service, to the next level.”
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