DPA Microphones has acquired its long-standing UK distributor Sound Network.
Established by Pete Wandless and Ralph Dunlop, Sound Network has been key to DPA’s success in the UK. The decision to sell to DPA came after Wandless and Dunlop announced their intention to retire from the business they founded in 1994.
“Sound Network has been a marvelous ambassador for DPA for many years and has invested heavily in the brand,” said 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.”
“This acquisition secures the longevity of the company Pete and I built together, and for the most fantastic team that exists within it,” Dunlop added. “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.”
All of Sound Network’s staff will remain with the company in their usual roles. The company name will also continue, as will its distribution arrangements with other manufacturers such as Sony Pro Audio, Meris, Bubblebee Industries, Quested Monitors, Smart Research and China Cones.
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.
