Age-old audio brand, Beyerdynamic, is set for acquisition by a Chinese manufacturing company
Gotta keep it Germany: Beyerdynamic, a century-old audio powerhouse known for crafting headphones and microphones, is gearing up for a change of hands. A Chinese manufacturer, Cosonic, is stepping up to the plate, ready to take the reins from the Berlin-born brand.
Let's set the record straight – Beyerdynamic's legendary headphones will continue to be produced with pride in Germany, according to the German site heise online. The brand, which has been spinning tunes since 1924, started off creating cinema loudspeakers before venturing into the world of microphones and then headphones. They even had a hand in crafting microphones used by the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and The Beatles, and they were the first to create dynamic headphones with electrostatic reproduction characteristics (check out the DT 880!).
In recent years, Beyerdynamic has been turning heads with their top-rated headphones, both wireless and wired, like the T1, T5, Amiron, Amiron Wireless, DT 700 Pro X, DT 900 Pro X, and Aventho 300. But don't worry, headphone aficionados; Cosonic has a cool €122 million burning a hole in their pocket to make the deal happen. Heart beating a little faster? Don't, according to Beyerdynamic's CEO and managing director, Andreas Rapp. That price tag might change, he hinted.
Now, Cosonic isn’t exactly a household name in audio circles. They've mainly acted as a contract manufacturer for various audio brands – but they’re rumored to be using Beyerdynamic to boost their visibility beyond the Chinese market. In defense of the deal, Rapp suggested that it would allow Beyerdynamic to invest in its future. Worry not, employees – Rapp promised that none of your contracts would get tossed like last night's pizza, and the company will remain independent.
Hold your horses, though; this deal is expected to take a few months to finalize, so sit tight and keep that headphone obsession burning. Who knows what new jams Beyerdynamic will bring us next?
Quick hits:
- Beyerdynamic was founded in 1924 in Berlin by Eugen Beyer, who started with cinema loudspeakers, later expanded to microphones, and finally headphones.
- Cosonic, the buying company, is a Chinese firm that primarily served as a contract manufacturer for various audio brands.
- The acquisition price is €122 million, but it could change, says Rapp.
- Rapp promises no changes for employees, and Beyerdynamic will remain an independent company.
- The takeover is planned for the next three to five months.
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Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]
- The forthcoming change in ownership for Beyerdynamic, a German audio brand renowned for producing headphones and microphones, will not affect the manufacturing of their iconic headphones.
- Despite being a century-old brand, Beyerdynamic initiated its journey in the audio industry by creating cinema speakers before venturing into microphones and subsequently headphones.
- Rumor has it that Cosonic, the Chinese manufacturer purchasing Beyerdynamic, is aiming to increase its global visibility beyond the Chinese market with this acquisition.
- Andreas Rapp, Beyerdynamic's CEO, claimed that the €122 million deal price might change, hinting at potential negotiations.
- Cosonic's financial backing, amounting to €122 million, indicates their commitment to securing the acquisition of Beyerdynamic.
- Andreas Rapp emphasized that employees' contracts will remain unchanged, assuring the workforce that the independent status of Beyerdynamic will be preserved.
- Consumers should stay updated on the latest hi-fi, home cinema, tech news, reviews, advice, and deals related to audio brands by subscribing for regular updates.
