Big screen Belgian behemoth Barco bags Focal and Naim

In a move which has huge ramifications for the luxury audio market, Barco has agreed in principle to acquire 100 per cent of VerVent Audio Holding, the Franco-British premium audio group that owns high-end brands Focal and Naim.

The proposed acquisition signals a significant strategic move for the Belgian big-screen behemoth as it broadens its presence beyond visualisation into integrated audiovisual solutions.

Headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, Barco is widely recognised in the professional AV sector for its cinema projection systems, visualisation platforms and high-end home theatre projectors. The acquisition of VerVent reflects a move to combine those visual capabilities with premium audio design and manufacturing.

Announcing the agreement, Barco chief executive An Steegen said the deal marks an important step in Barco’s ambition to shape the future of immersive audiovisual experiences.

“By welcoming VerVent and its iconic Focal and Naim brands into the Barco family, we accelerate our strategy to deliver fully integrated solutions where image and sound reinforce each other seamlessly. Building on our leadership in visualization, we go all-in on Entertainment. The addition of high-fidelity audio strengthens the overall experience of our offering across high-end residential and broader consumer/home entertainment environments, as well as in professional markets.”

VerVent, headquartered in Saint-Étienne, France, has established an enviable reputation in premium audio through its portfolio of loudspeakers, headphones, studio monitors and high-performance audio systems.

The company operates a global retail and distribution network that includes more than 80 branded boutiques and thousands of sales points worldwide. That infrastructure is expected to provide Barco with a fast track into consumer and residential sectors.

The transaction also points to a broader industry trend towards tightly integrated AV ecosystems. By bringing established Hi-Fi brands into its portfolio, Barco aims to position itself as something of a one stop shop for premium AV.

Growth in immersive audio formats, active loudspeakers, connected systems and direct-to-consumer retail has made the segment increasingly attractive for companies looking to broaden their entertainment portfolios.

Following completion of the deal, VerVent will be integrated into Barco’s Entertainment division. The Belgian group says it intends to support VerVent’s existing strategic direction, which includes continued development of high-end audio products, expansion of digital and connected technologies, and rationalisation of the product portfolio while leveraging its established sales channels.

The move also brings Barco into direct competition with groups such as Harman International, the Samsung-owned audio division that owns JBL Synthesis, Mark Levinson and Revel.

The enterprise value of the acquisition is approximately €135 million and will be financed using Barco’s own funds. VerVent currently generates annual revenues of around €110 million.