Providence investment fund takes control of d&b Group

D&b Group, a specialist in professional audio systems and AVLM solutions provider, has been acquired by Providence, a leading private equity firm focused on growth-oriented investments in media, training, communications and technology.

With the support of Providence, d&b plans to enhance its “leading position” in the global pro audio market while deepening the integration of its capabilities in the AV, lighting and multimedia (AVLM) solutions sector. Providence, which has an extensive history of investing in specialized technology companies, will offer the d&b management team a stake in the company, which seeks to ensure “long-term leadership and strategic continuity.” The parties have agreed not to disclose the details of the transaction, and its formalization is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.

d&b, founded in 1981, is headquartered in Backnang, Germany, and combines the d&b audiotechnik e d&b solutions brands. Since the acquisition of the company in 2016 by the private equity firm Ardian, d&b’s previous owner, sales have tripled. The number of employees has also increased from 350 in 2016 to an international team of more than 1,000 people with offices in several cities.

This is how Amnon Harman, CEO da d&b Group, assesses the operation: “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.”

The Providence perspective is provided by Robert Sudo, its managing director: “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.”