DPA Microphones has announced the acquisition of Sound Network, the UK pro audio distributor with whom it has had a close relationship for more than 20 years.
Established by Pete Wandless and Ralph Dunlop, Sound Network are regarded for their exceptional audio expertise, committed staff and dedicated technical support. The distributor has been key to DPA’s success in the UK, particularly in the broadcast, live sound and theatre markets where DPA’s high quality microphone solutions are regularly used on prestigious live shows and productions.
DPA’s decision to acquire Sound Network came after Wandless and Dunlop announced their intention to retire from the business they had founded in 1994. “Sound Network has been a marvelous ambassador for DPA for many years and has invested heavily in the brand,” commented DPA’s CEO Kalle Hvidt Nielsen. “By acquiring the business, we can maintain our close cooperation with the company and build on the strong relationships Sound Network already has with our all-important UK dealers and customers. Sound Network has a large range of prestigious customers, including most of the West End theatres that are influential beyond the borders of the UK. We will now be much closer to these important customers and that will give us even more insight into the environment in which our microphones are being used.”
For Ralph Dunlop and Pete Wandless, the decision to part from Sound Network was not taken lightly, but both believe DPA’s acquisition is a sign of progress of the company. “This acquisition secures the longevity of the company Pete and I built together, and for the most fantastic team that exists within it,” Ralph Dunlop says. “It will offer greater opportunities for those involved, on both sides, and I am convinced its future is in safe hands. The years catch up with you, and the time has come for us to hand the baton to a new generation of innovators. Pete and I have no regrets and many, many, happy memories, some of which cannot be repeated. We wish our dedicated team and the new owners all the success in the future, convinced the company will take microphone technology and education to new heights.”
Adam Pierce, Sound Network’s Sales and Marketing Director who will now head up the company and report directly to DPA’s EVP of Sales Nikolaj Forsberg, added: “Sound Network has aligned itself with DPA’s philosophy since its inception, so this is the next logical step for both companies to continue their growth and ambitions in the UK market. Sound Network’s reputation for high level service and expertise will only be strengthened by a closer partnership with DPA Microphones and while it is ‘business as usual’, our customers and our other manufacture partners will definitely benefit from this move. DPA have always inspired us as a brand, through its incredible product portfolio and its people, so we are delighted to become part of the family.”
“Our opportunity to get closer to Sound Network will benefit everyone in the DPA sales channel, even outside the UK,” Nielsen concluded. “DPA is growing at a rapid pace and is committed to developing new products that accurately reflect the needs of our customers. More involvement in the UK market and closer communication between Sound Network and DPA’s head office in Denmark will allow us to better determine what the market needs.”
