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…

 

[daytona600]

Barco are an AV / custom install company. ?

Barco are 100years old & a global player with 3,600 staff & Turnover is multi-billion per annum

Barco Projector - $200-$400.000
Focal 16/32 Atmos Processor $40.000
Focal 16/32 Atmos Speakers 4 x $12,000 subs 16x in you are Wave Forming
32x $ 10,000 L/C/R speakers
Naim Amps 32x$4,000
$1,000.000 AV System

 

[RJW232]

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.

Barco is in the high-end projector market, so it wouldn't make sense if they started cost-cutting in the audio segment. It's more complementing their existing business.

 

[Jasonovich]

Some acquisition work out for the best, look at Onkyo. Fingers crossed they don't turn it into lifestyle products.

View: https://youtu.be/7L6oCn9AO1I?si=xiRCC7mDA8w8PDbS

 

[Deliriumbassist]

Barco are an AV / custom install company. ?

Barco are 100years old & a global player with 3,600 staff & Turnover is multi-billion per annum

Barco Projector - $200-$400.000
Focal 16/32 Atmos Processor $40.000
Focal 16/32 Atmos Speakers 4 x $12,000 subs 16x in you are Wave Forming
32x $ 10,000 L/C/R speakers
Naim Amps 32x$4,000
$1,000.000 AV System

Picture removed so as not to take up too much of people's view.

Yup, longstanding company, and today it's probably more fitting to call them an imaging technology company, considering what they've developed and innovated. Not to mention the various markets they play in - medical, conferencing... consumer A/V is but a slice of their pie.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

Barco is in the high-end projector market, so it wouldn't make sense if they started cost-cutting in the audio segment. It's more complementing their existing business.

I would like to think you are right but, being swallowed-up by a bigger company, often ends badly.

Actions will speak louder than words…

 

[GroeneLeeuw]

I fear the cheaper series of products from Focal & Naim are at risk in the future than the the so called "high-end" expensive products.

 

[RoA]

The company operates a global retail and distribution network that includes more than 80 branded boutiques and thousands of sales points worldwide. That infrastructure is expected to provide Barco with a fast track into consumer and residential sectors.

Following completion of the deal, VerVent will be integrated into Barco’s Entertainment division. The Belgian group says it intends to support VerVent’s existing strategic direction, which includes continued development of high-end audio products, expansion of digital and connected technologies, and rationalisation of the product portfolio while leveraging its established sales channels.

I think this can only be good for Naim/Focal. Utilizing Barcos sales channels will open new avenues. Whether this will appeal to die hard Naim (Classic) fans ...

 

[nopiano]

and rationalisation of the product portfolio…

This looks like the compromise!

 

[RoA]

This looks like the compromise!

They are already doing this. There are currently no simple integrated amplifiers in their portfolio with no announcement of any new ones. They will probably streamline and perhaps simplify existing product lines.

Luckily, the new parent company makes most products in the EU so hopefully keep UK manufacturing for Naim.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

Luckily, the new parent company makes most products in the EU so hopefully keep UK manufacturing for Naim.

And keep Focal manufacturing in France, my Elegias are nicely made.

 

[matthewpianist]

When does Naim stop being Naim?

Is Arcam still Arcam, Marantz still Marantz? Onkyo has been resurrected, but what makes it Onkyo other than in name? Is Audiolab really Audiolab, other than being a trademark?