Barco acquires Focal / Naim

[DiggyGun]

https://www.barco.com/en/about/press-releases/2026/barco-to-acquire-vervent-audio-holding--strengthening-its-integr

DG…

 

[nopiano]

Wow, I wasn’t expecting that, but had read some gossip about Naim sales not being especially healthy.

I must look at Focal’s accounts some time as I believe they supply the vast majority of in-car speakers. So I’ve probably been listening to them for decades!

 

[daytona600]

Focal / Naim moving into the Huge AV / Custom Install market for several years now

 

[RoA]

I can only think that tariffs for the US market have also impacted on Naim/Focal. It did for Rega so they infiltrated markets which they prior deemed not too promising and found it made up for the losses.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

Hopefully Focal won't be compromised by cost-cutting. I would still like them to release a closed-back headphone using the magnesium driver, like the open-back Clear MG.

 

[abacus]

Barco is more projection systems (Really High End Home Cinema or professional use) so getting something like Naim which is dedicated to just 2 channel Hi-Fi is a bit strange, hopefully Focal is not just the main reason for the acquisition with Naim just being a none important afterthought.

Bill

 

[daytona600]

1934 - 1980s Barco made Hifi

 

[DiggyGun]

Barco are an AV / custom install company.

They may be just after Naim and Focal’s experience in the CI arena, (look at the links for cars, yachts, etc. on their website) and, wireless speakers technology., (which have become more prevalent).

Naim have trimming back on traditional two way systems for a while now and this may be the reason why.

Instead of the tag line, “Focal powered by Naim” , it may now become “ Barco powered by Naim and Focal”.

Acquisitions like this do not always end well for the acquired company.

DG…