Sphere Entertainment Acquires Holoplot

May 13 2024, 05:10
Madison Square Garden (MSG), became a partner and shareholder of Holoplot GmbH in 2018, when the two companies partnered to implement the sound system that equipped the Sphere in Las Vegas. In 2023, MSG spun-off its traditional live entertainment businesses and changed its name from Madison Square Garden Entertainment to Sphere Entertainment. Now, Sphere Entertainment acquired all of the remaining Holoplot shares it did not previously own. The Berlin-based Wavefield Synthesis and 3D audio pioneer will continue to operate as a separate company.
 

In a joint statement about the acquisition on behalf of Sphere Entertainment, David Dibble, CEO, MSG Ventures and Paul Westbury, EVP, Development and Construction, says: “Holoplot is at the forefront of audio innovation, and their custom-designed technology has already transformed what is possible for concert-grade sound. This acquisition reflects our Company’s commitment to staying on the cutting-edge of immersive experiences as we explore growth opportunities for both Sphere and Holoplot."
 
“We have worked alongside the Sphere team for many years in developing our technology, and together we have forever changed the live sound experience," adds Roman Sick, CEO and Co-Founder of Holoplot. “As a result of this transaction, Holoplot can accelerate its mission to bring its technologies to more applications and markets, and continue to push audio innovation to new bounds."

In a private statement on social media, Roman Sick explains that the acquisition will mean that "Holoplot can accelerate its growth plans for the future, while now being backed by the resources of a public company and leader in its category, with whom we share the vision of changing entertainment and audio experiences forever. The business will keep operating as usual from Berlin and expand even more so now, globally and into more markets and segments."

Roman Sick also confirmed that it will step out of the CEO position into an advisory role by the end of May 2024. "Holoplot now enters a new chapter, which I believe has enormous potential for the company and the industry, and I am very curious to see where it will go. For me personally it’s a special moment in my life, which after giving it 8 years of my undivided attention and energy, is a unique opportunity to gain some flexibility and take a breather. I hence decided to transition out of the CEO position into an advisory role by the end of this month, still supporting the company and team with all my heart, but rather from the side lines than spearheading the daily operations."

Even though the core audio technology and IP is part of the Holoplot business, MSG always promoted the fully integrated concert-grade audio system that was designed for the Las Vegas Sphere in Las Vegas, as the "Sphere Immersive Sound". The company also introduced this technology in 2022 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, which is operated by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. and part of the MSG family of companies along with Sphere Entertainment. 
 

Meanwhile, Holoplot has already expanded its product portfolio with new solutions that address all types of audio installations. Holoplot's proprietary audio technology is focused on sound control, by enabling precise and digital control of propagation and localization, in order to generate highly targeted, consistent, and immersive, listening experiences.
 
As the closed acquisition transaction was announced, the two companies also confirmed that Holoplot will remain based in Berlin and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sphere Entertainment "as it continues to grow its business and serve its customers and clients."
 
Sphere Entertainment Co. other businesses include Sphere, the concept which opened in Las Vegas in September 2023 and is planned to expand to other cities globally. In addition, the company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. 
www.sphereentertainmentco.com
www.holoplot.com
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About Joao Martins
Since 2013, Joao Martins leads audioXpress as editor-in-chief of the US-based magazine and website, the leading audio electronics, audio product development and design publication, working also as international editor for Voice Coil, the leading periodical for... Read more

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