LOUD Audio, LLC, a portfolio company of Transom Capital Group, has concluded the sale of the Eastern Acoustics Works business, an iconic company in the history of Install and Touring, to the Italian Pro-Audio company RCF Group. This is the third and final divestiture by Transom aimed at allowing LOUD to narrow its focus to the Mackie brand and deliver the best possible products and experience to its Pro Audio customers.
RCF Group, with headquarters in Reggio Emilia and Bologna and subsidiaries in USA and Europe, operates under the companies RCF and AEB Industriale (dB Technologies) and is now adding EAW company to further become an international leader in designing, producing and selling products and systems for professional audio and public address installations.
“While I have truly enjoyed working with all of the brands in the LOUD legacy, now it’s time for us to turn the page and to be entirely focused on building the Mackie brand”, said Alex Nelson, Mackie’s President. “Our companies have long lived in a conglomeration of brands and I believe going forward all the brands are going to benefit from new found focus, alignment and investment. This last divestiture marks a particularly exciting time for Mackie employees worldwide who are now about to embark on a journey of re-invention and re-vitalization!”
Arturo Vicari, CEO of RCF Group stated, “Since their early days, the two companies have been very close with RCF supplying professional drivers to EAW. Both brands successfully expanded around the world and their histories were often linked. Finally, we can look at a bright future together. Even though EAW will remain a totally independent company, being part of our group will provide EAW with the necessary investments and focus for a fast and solid growth. We are very proud to have EAW with us.”
TJ Smith, President of EAW, added, “Having grown up with the EAW and Mackie brands, I can truly say that this is an exciting moment. Both brands are now in a significantly stronger position to support their unique partners and customers. I look forward to the continued development of Mackie and EAW under new and more focused ownership.”
Adding,
“For those who love EAW it is difficult to imagine a better scenario. From the first moment this possibility started to materialize it has been clear that joining forces with RCF Group is a great opportunity for EAW.”
“This transaction is a true recognition of what the brand represents, its potential, as well as the team we have built over recent years. With gratitude to the long list of those that built EAW over its 40-year history, we look forward to the exciting time in front of us.”
Ty Schultz, Managing Partner at Transom Capital Group, concluded, “Simplifying the LOUD business to focus on high quality audio delivery from consumers to professionals has always been the focus of our thesis. We are very happy to have found a great new owner for the EAW brand and wish everyone involved much success going forward.”
CapM Advisors acted as financial advisor to RCF Group. Studio Legale Chiomenti and Good Procter LLP served as legal counsel to RCF Group. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal counsel to LOUD and Transom Capital Group. EAW and LOUD will be working together over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition for all customers, dealers, and distributors.
