PML Sound International has announced its acquisition of GoldenEar from AudioQuest. The audio industry has been abuzz lately with numerous acquisitions, and this marks another significant move.
It’s hard to miss the recent trend of companies acquiring audio firms. In some cases, these are unrelated companies or investors seeing potential in adding high-end audio brands to their portfolios. However, there are also notable instances where established audio companies are taking over others in the same field. Whether this consolidation of once-competing brands under a single umbrella is a good thing remains to be seen. Time will tell, especially with the potential implications of tariffs like those announced by former U.S. President Trump, which imposed a 25% tax on Canadian products. Similar trade developments could play a pivotal role in shaping the market.
Canada Meets the U.S.
This time, it’s Canadian-based PML Sound International—owner of Paradigm, Anthem, and MartinLogan—that’s been shopping. Their latest purchase is GoldenEar, a U.S.-based loudspeaker manufacturer previously owned by AudioQuest. With PML rooted in Canada and GoldenEar in the U.S., potential trade tariffs could create an interesting dynamic if such measures come into effect.
PML Sound International also announced that GoldenEar operations will go “on hold” between January 1 and January 31, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition. During this period, no orders will be processed or shipped. However, starting February 1, it’s back to “business as usual.”