Founded in 1981 and based in Backnang, Germany, d&b audiotechnik is one of the world's leading providers of professional premium audio technology and, in recent years, has extended the business into integrated AVLM solutions with the creation of d&b solutions.
The new solutions business was launched in May 2021, following the acquisition of full-service UK integration firm SFL Group, enabling d&b to offer end-to-end expertise in the areas of project development, system planning, installation and maintenance. The newly formed d&b solutions is managed independently from d&b audiotechnik GmbH and separate, independent business structures reporting up to the d&b Group. The Managing Directors for d&b solutions are Amnon Harman (d&b Group CEO), Jens Nilsson (d&b Group CFO) and Michael Aldinger (d&b solutions Director Finance and Operations).
In December 2021, d&b strengthen its service-focused d&b solutions business with the acquisition of UK-based business White Light, a complete production solution specialist operating in a range of markets including theatre, corporate events, broadcast, concert touring, leisure, education and trade.
Since the company’s acquisition in 2016 by another private equity firm Ardian, d&b’s previous owner, sales have tripled. The number of employees has also risen sharply from 350 in 2016 to a global team of more than 1000 with offices in major cities around the globe.
With the support of Providence, d&b says that it plans to further strengthen its global market-leading position in the professional audio market while also further integrating its capabilities in the Audio Visual, Lighting and Media (AVLM) solutions sector. Providence has a track record of investing in businesses in the media and events production space.
As part of the transaction, the d&b management team will also acquire a stake in the company, ensuring long-term leadership and strategic continuity. The parties have agreed not to reveal details of the transaction, and the conclusion of the transaction is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.
"The global growth trend for events, concerts and major events has continued unchanged after a forced break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is accompanied by the increasing professionalization and digitization of these events and thus an increasing need for professional event technologies. As one of the world's leading system providers for audio technology and integrated audio, video, light and media solutions (AVLM) with a comprehensive portfolio of hardware and software technologies, we are perfectly positioned to gain further market share. Ardian has proven to be a reliable business partner over the past few years. Thanks to their unwavering support, especially during the pandemic, we have been able to innovate during this period of crisis and to emerge stronger from it. We look forward to continuing our successful journey with Providence and cementing our global position as a leader in professional audio and integrated AVLM solutions," states Amnon Harman.
"d&b bears the hallmarks of a classic Providence investment – it is a business with innovation at its core, clear market leadership and loyal customers. d&b’s passionate team has advanced and defined industry standards and exceeded client expectations for the last four decades. We believe d&b will continue its growth trajectory by delivering spectacular experiences to audiences across the globe. With our solid track record of investing in live entertainment and technology companies, we are confident Providence is the ideal partner to support d&b and we look forward to working with Amnon and his hugely talented team to execute our shared vision for the business," adds Robert Sudo, Managing Director Providence.
"The needs of customers in live entertainment are becoming ever more complex, which has expanded d&b’s addressable opportunities. We were impressed by d&b’s passionate management team and with Providence’s resources and network, we are committed to supporting d&b’s strategic plan," says Andrew Tisdale, Senior Managing Director Providence.
www.dbgroup.de
