News

Oehlbach Kabel GmbH Acquired by AudioVOX Inc (2/4/2007)

Germany's No. 1 cable brand acquired by USA corporation, AudioVOX.

Oehlbach Kabel GmbH was acquired by Audiovox German Holdings GmbH, a subsidiary of AudioVOX Inc. of the USA. Oehlbach Kabel GmbH will continue as an independent entity within the group with the same management team in place. The founder and owner, Manfred Oehlbach, will continue as MD of the company in developing the product line to meet the changing needs of the home cinema and hi-fi markets. Said Mr. Oehlbach, "After 32 years within this market, I felt it was the right time to seek a strong partner to meet the increasing demands from a competitive and consolidating marketplace. This deal will allow us to progress faster and more confidently in meeting the needs of Oehlbach customers with the same quality and affordable pricing as before."

AudioVOX is a name that many in the industry will know. Owner of several famous brands, it is a company with a turnover in excess of USD 500 million. The purchase of Oehlbach Kabel gives it the opportunity to enter the premium end of the accessories market as a leading player. Oehlbach Kabel will benefit from the stability and support of a major company in developing and strengthening it's position in local EU markets and the newly emerging economies of the East. At the same time, AudioVOX will allow Oehlbach to manage the cable business as experts of 30 years at the premium end.

MD of the UK distributor of Oehlbach cables, Nemish Mehta, said, "It is an exciting development and I anticipate that the added support from AudioVOX will allow the Oehlbach management team to expand in key markets, such as the UK, more aggressively than they were able to in the past. The retention of the expertise of Manfred Oehlbach shows that this is a very considered acquisition by AudioVOX."

www.oehlbach.de