Klipsch Audio Technologies has named Yamaha Corporation the exclusive distributor of Klipsch brand speakers in Japan and the two companies have entered into a basic agreement regarding the joint development of speakers and home theatre systems, and global sales alliance.
Yamaha President and Representative Director Shuji Ito and Klipsch Chairman Fred Klipsch made the announcement Sept. 16th.
According to company officials, Yamaha will begin selling Klipsch Reference Series home audio speakers, ProMedia® computer and video game sound systems, Klipsch in-wall and in-ceiling architectural speakers, and Klipsch professional cinema systems starting from November of this year. The alliance is expected to generate $10 million (¥1 billion) in the mid term.
"Klipsch and Yamaha share a vision for delivering the widest range of the highest quality audio products," said chairman and owner Fred Klipsch. "Our partnership with Yamaha reaches far beyond distribution. Together we will leverage the strengths of both brands to enter new markets and develop new products across multiple categories."
Sales of Klipsch products in Japan will be handled by Yamaha’s wholly owned domestic sales subsidiary for AV/IT products—Yamaha Electronics Marketing Corporation. Yamaha will work to leverage the originality and strength of Klipsch products to grow and expand its home theatre business as well as to develop custom installation products that blend into the living environment and the commercial business-use sound system market.
The new alliance between Klipsch and Yamaha includes joint development of speakers and home theater systems for the Japanese market as well as for the global market. Yamaha plans to bundle Klipsch-brand speakers with its A/V receivers for distribution to the global market. Klipsch and Yamaha will also collaborate on sales of both brands to digital movie theater markets worldwide.