Ardian invests in premier provider of audio mixing consoles, previous majority shareholder Astrong Reinvest

UK-headquartered Audiotonix designs and manufactures audio mixing consoles for live events, music recording and broadcast. Audiotonix equipment has been used on tours for U2, Coldplay and Billie Eilish and on events including international opening ceremonies and major music festivals. 

Its brands (Allen & Heath, Calrec, DiGiCo, DiGiGrid, KLANG:technologies and Solid State Logic) support live sound for a variety of formats such as concerts, TV, theatre shows and major international live events. Part of its success has been driven by its development of the most innovative, technologically advanced and highest-quality products on the market. 

The Group employs c. 550 people and distributes its products via a global network of over 200 value-add distributors and partners in more than 90 countries. 

James Gordon, Audiotonix CEO, said: “This represents another significant step in the future development of Audiotonix. We have built an incredible infrastructure within the group in the past five years. Ardian’s financial support and advice, combined with Astorg’s, who are also remaining as an investor for this next phase, will help expand our brands and product portfolio even further.”

Olivier Personnaz, Managing Director, Ardian Buyout, said: “How people enjoy live, televised and streamed entertainment is going through a revolution. The world’s top acts, performers, broadcasters and supporting creative industries, want to give audiences the very best experience. Events, music and media content are becoming more immersive, embracing new technology and relying even more on great sound. That’s why we are excited about how this new partnership will help Audiotonix differentiate itself even further through the undisputed quality of its audio technology and service to customers.” 

Bruno Ladrière, Managing Director, Ardian Buyout, said: “The highly experienced management team is well placed to grow the scope and reach of the business, delivering outstanding audio experiences to more and more people worldwide.”

François de Mitry, Managing Partner, and Stéphane Epin, Partner, Astorg, said: “We’re very proud to have supported Audiotonix during an acceleration phase of their history, at a time when private equity was not so familiar with professional audio. Under our tenure, the group launched an amazing series of very successful new products, acquired the brilliant “boutique” brand SSL and the exciting technology of KLANG. Many new projects have their coat and hat on and are ready to go out. Not less importantly, many new senior talents joined Audiotonix, and have strengthened the team ahead of new phase of expansion. We’re thrilled to go on supporting the journey.”