LOS ANGELES – ( October 2, 2018 ) – Transom Capital Group (Transom), an operations-focused middle market private equity firm, today announced the sale by LOUD Audio, LLC (LOUD) of Eastern Acoustics Works (EAW) to RCF Group, a pro audio company with headquarters in Reggio Emilia, Italy. This is the third and final divestiture by Transom since acquiring LOUD in October 2017 aimed at allowing LOUD to narrow its focus to the Mackie brand and deliver the best possible products and experience to its Pro Audio customers.
“While I’ve truly enjoyed working with all of the brands in the LOUD legacy, now it’s time for us to turn the page and to be entirely focused on building the Mackie brand”, said Alex Nelson, Mackie’s President. “Our companies have long lived in a conglomeration of brands and I believe going forward all the brands are going to benefit from new found focus, alignment and investment. This last divestiture marks a particularly exciting time for Mackie employees worldwide who are now about to embark on a journey of re-invention and re-vitalization!”
In May 2018, LOUD sold the heralded and historic family of Ampeg bass amps and pedals to Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. and, in July 2018, LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group, backed the management buyout of Martin Audio.
“Simplifying the LOUD business and targeting the professional audio customer segment has been our approach since we acquired LOUD last year,” said Ty Schultz, Managing Partner at Transom Capital Group. “We’re thrilled that we’ve helped a portfolio of iconic brands find new ownership, allowing LOUD to focus on its Mackie brand and deliver the best possible products and experience to its Pro Audio customers.”
About LOUD Audio, LLC (“LOUD”)
As the corporate parent for the world-recognized Mackie® brand, LOUD engineers, markets and distributes a wide range of professional audio and musical instrument products worldwide. Its product lines include sound reinforcement systems, analog and digital mixers, and studio products. These products can be found in professional and project recording studios, video and broadcast suites, post-production facilities, and sound reinforcement applications, including houses of worship, stadiums, nightclubs, retail locations, and on major musical concert tours. LOUD distributes its products primarily through retail dealers, mail order outlets and installed sound contractors. The Company has its primary operations in the United States with operations in the United Kingdom, Canada and China.
About Transom Capital Group
Transom (www.transomcap.com) is an operations-focused private equity firm in the middle market with more than $500M in assets under management. The firm’s functional pattern recognition, access to capital, and proven ARMOR Value Creation Process combine with management’s industry expertise to create improved operational efficiency, significant top-line growth, cultural transformation and overall distinctive outcomes. Transom is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with an additional office in Seattle, Washington.
About EAW
EAW (www.EAW.com) has designed and manufactured premium professional loudspeaker systems and electronics since 1978. Its products are used throughout the world to support performances and sporting events in stadiums, arenas, outdoor venues, houses of worship, and theaters. Over its 40-year history the brand has introduced several significant innovations in loudspeaker technology by leveraging expertise in acoustics, digital signal processing, and software control.
About RCF Group
RCF Group (www.rcf-group.it), with companies and subsidiaries located in USA and Europe, is a leading player in the Pro Audio industry, designing, manufacturing and distributing an extensive range of professional audio solutions in the retail, install and touring market. With a history dating back to 1949, the passion of its 500 employees and the focus on continual technical innovation, RCF Group products are successful in over 130 countries around the world
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