L-Acoustics Strengthens R&D and Production Expertise with Acquisition of HGP

November 28 2018, 00:10
French professional audio manufacturer L-Acoustics, a market leader in large scale sound reinforcement systems and premium audio installations, announced the acquisition of HGP, a manufacturer of precision sheet metal, based in Amboise, France, and its sister entity API, which specializes in powder coating. According to L-Acoustics, both companies were already regular suppliers and the acquisition will enable better R&D support, faster prototyping, and tighter production schedules.
 
Hervé Guillaume, Managing Director, L-Acoustics (left) and Bertrand Bounoure, President and Commercial Director of HGP and API (right).

L-Acoustics is headquartered near Paris, presently employs over 400 people worldwide and has generated an increase in revenue at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 15% since the company was founded in 1984. More than 20% of L-Acoustics’ talent is devoted to R&D in the areas of acoustics, applications, mechanics, electronics, signal processing, and software development. This robust R&D focus, combined with ongoing efforts to optimize operations, guides L-Acoustics in this decision to broaden the scope of industrial know-how to englobe precision sheet metal manufacturing, which is used in rigging and internal loudspeaker components. HGP currently employs close to 50 people.
 
"This operation represents a new and extremely positive step in augmenting our R&D and production capabilities,” explains Hervé Guillaume, Managing Director of L-Acoustics. “This alliance will allow us to improve our technical skill set and market intelligence regarding precision sheet metal, a vital technology in our professional audio solutions. HGP’s expertise and savoir-faire are highly complementary to our own, enabling us to better comprehend the constraints and specificities of the trade at every stage, from conception to production.” 
 
Assembly line of Kara loudspeakers in the L-Acoustics manufacturing plant in Marcoussis, France, near Paris.

For Bertrand Bounoure, President and Commercial Director of HGP, "This constitutes a natural extension of a decade-long, successful supplier-client relationship between two growing companies with shared interests and objectives. We are delighted to pool our resources and abilities.” 
 
Jérôme Dolou, Purchasing Director, L-Acoustics, one of the key contacts to regularly interface with HGP, adds, "Our interactions with HGP as a key supplier are win-win: quality, dependability, logistical excellence, and above all, a highly nimble approach to rapid prototyping. All this brings serenity and comfort in the planning and production process. We’re thrilled to reinforce this dynamic collaboration." 
 
L-Acoustics has previously demonstrated a successful track record in integrating acquisitions of companies who were formerly component suppliers. In 2007, L-Acoustics acquired Simea in eastern France, a carpentry and cabinetry manufacturer specialized in loudspeaker enclosures. Since that acquisition, Simea’s staff (20 employees in 2007) has quadrupled and their revenue has increased seven-fold. More recently, in 2016, L-Acoustics acquired CAMCO, a German electronics firm with expertise in amplification and DSP.
 
L-Acoustics continues to innovate with L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology, shown here deployed at indie alt-rockers alt-J Royal Albert Hall concerts in October 2018. Photography Richard Gray.

“From the very beginning of L-Acoustics, excellence in products and services, as well as long term investment in human and technical resources, have been key tenets of our strategy,” declares Hervé Guillaume. “Fiscal 2017 was exceptional with 24% year over year revenue growth. Similarly, 2018 is wrapping up in a climate of optimism with remarkable interest and uptake surrounding our latest audio innovation: L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound. World-renowned artists including Ennio Morricone, alt-J, Childish Gambino, Christine and the Queens and other early adopters have already achieved great results, with more to be announced. This clear momentum will allow L-Acoustics to further consolidate our global leadership.”
www.l-acoustics.com
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