Digigram Acquires Innova SON

Digigram, a specialist in digital audio network solutions, has completed its acquisition of French-based Innova SON, the manufacturer of digital audio mixing consoles. Innova SON consoles are used for sound reinforcement in live performance such as concerts, broadcast television, theatrical presentations, religious services, and corporate events.

The deal completes a move made by Digigram when it acquired a 44.76 percent stake in Innova SON in January 2001. Digigram now owns 100 percent of Innova SON.

Innova SON will preserve its own identity and commercial autonomy within the Digigram group. Innova SON products will continue to be distributed by the company's established network, while Digigram will provide sales support in markets that the company has yet to penetrate. Innova SON’s current management remains in place, with Philippe Royer as managing director in charge of sales and marketing and Gérard Malvot as technical director. Both are co-founders of Innova SON.

“We think this acquisition will lead to the development of technological synergies, particularly with the transfer of skills and the release of new products under the Innova SON brand name,” says Digigram managing director Philippe Delacroix. “In the near future you might see Innova SON consoles compatible with Digigram’s breakthrough EtherSound technology.”

The Innova SON acquisition reinforces Digigram’s ambition to realize 40 percent of its 2002 activity in the public address market, which includes fixed installations, live sound, and sound reinforcement.

"Joining the Digigram group provides us with the additional resources to fulfill our product development and process industrialization ambitions," says Royer. "While many professional users have validated our technology, digitalization of live sound is still in its infancy and there are many opportunities ahead for us."

John Falcone, president and CEO of Sennheiser US, Innova SON's exclusive distributor in the US, welcomes the new organization: "Momentum and growth continue to define Innova SON’s success story in the US. Now that they have teamed up with Digigram, their vision to deliver the next generation of digital consoles to the market is certainly accelerated.”