Roland Acquires Majority Stake in Headphone Lifestyle Brand V-MODA

August 10 2016, 04:00
In 2015, Roland announced a collaboration with lifestyle and DJ brand V-MODA, targeting fashion-conscious DJs and musicians with the M-100 AIRA headphones, combining the DJ-acclaimed V-MODA Crossfade M-100 over-ear headphones with the brand’s own AIRA range of retro-inspired electronic musical instruments. The alliance was apparently a success because Roland has decided to acquire a majority stake in V-MODA.
 
V-MODA’s Val Kolton and Roland’s Jun-ichi Miki at Roland Worldwide Headquarters

Roland calls the acquisition of a majority stake in V-MODA a “strategic investment”, allowing the designer of high-fidelity headphones and audio devices with the resources to “develop the next breakthrough music products, accelerate product development and push the boundaries of audio innovation.”
 
Commenting on the acquisition, Jun-ichi Miki, CEO of Roland, staded: “We’re pleased V-MODA has joined the Roland family of brands. V-MODA revolutionized headphones and has pushed the envelope of personalization. Their Milano design, material research and professional DJ roots, along with their loyal customers, are incredible assets for Roland. It’s an exciting time for both companies, and we are eager for the talent at V-MODA and Roland to collaborate. This new team and the audience that the products are going to attract will definitely inspire the future of music.”

The founder of V-MODA, Val Kolton, has worked relentlessly for the last 12 years creating the vision for the V-MODA brand, “meticulously designing and testing its products around the globe and inventing disruptive products in the crowded world of headphones,” the announcement says. Kolton will maintain his role with the company as V-MODA’s CEO and he will now provide his expertise in product design for Roland’s dance, DJ and electronic music division as a consultant.

“For more than a decade, we have vigorously crafted high-end personal audio products for modern audiophiles that reproduce music for a concert and club-like experience,” said Val Kolton, V-MODA CEO. “This partnership is not strictly a business deal; it’s a strategic synergy that will bridge the high-quality sound, materials and design of our products with the legendary genre-changing sound expertise and commitment to excellence from Roland. Roland’s 808, 909 and countless products helped to lay the foundation and forge today’s music, and together we can carry on the tradition.”
 

“V-MODA views our headphones as the icon where music, fashion and technology collide,” Kolton continued. “It is refreshing to join the Roland family to align our passions for music to accomplish a greater vision.” According to the deal terms, Roland acquired 70% of V-MODA, becoming the majority stakeholder in the company, with Val Kolton, CEO and Founder of V-MODA, retaining 30% ownership. The financial details and terms of the agreement are confidential.
www.roland.com | v-moda.com
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