goetzpartners advised ARDIAN on the acquisition of d&b audiotechnik

Together with existing management, Ardian is acquiring d&b audiotechnik GmbH (“d&b”) from the investment companies Odewald & Compagnie and COBEPA for an undisclosed amount. In the transaction, goetzpartners Management Consultants acted as commercial advisor to Ardian.

d&b is one of the world’s leading providers of professional premium audio technolo¬gy. Amnon Harman, CEO of d&b, said: “Everything at d&b is about creating the best sound possible. We are therefore in an excellent position to benefit from the in¬creasing expectations of professional audio technology at events, concerts and large shows worldwide. Together with our new shareholder Ardian, we particularly want to further develop in the Asia-Pacific, South American and North American markets and further expand our leading position in our European home market. On the product side, we will continue to expand the business with permanently installed systems and the development of new, innovative audio solutions.”

Since 2011, d&b’s sales have more than doubled from €44 million to €94 million in the financial year 2015. The number of employees has also risen sharply from 200 in 2011 to around 350 today.

The parties have agreed not to reveal details of the transaction, and the conclusion of the transaction is still subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.

ABOUT D&B AUDIOTECHNIK

Founded in 1981 and based in Backnang, Germany, d&b is one of the world’s lead¬ing producers of high-quality speakers, amplifiers and related components. Since its founding, d&b has evolved from a garage start-up to one of the three leading pro¬viders of professional audio systems worldwide. d&b systems are used as reliable tools for long-term use at production and distribution companies from the event and multimedia genre, at festivals and concerts, at musicals, concert halls, theaters and opera houses, in radio and television products – from the tiniest conference rooms to the largest stadiums. Over the last three decades, d&b has acquired the status of a global premium brand in professional audio technology environment.

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is an independent private investment company with assets of US$55bn managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia. The company, which is majority-owned by its employees, keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and delivers investment performance to its global investors while fuelling growth in economies across the world. Ardian’s investment process embodies three values: excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship.