Linear Acquires Niles

15-Jul-05

Linear, LLC (Carlsbad, CA) has acquired Niles Audio Corporation (Miami, FL). One of the most prestigious names in the whole-house audio and home theater products industry will now become a vital part of one of the fastest-growing group of companies of consumer electronics products and brands. No terms of the deal were disclosed.Ivan Zuckerman, who together with his wife Janice, built Niles Audio from a small home-based business into a global corporation, notes that, ìThis period in our companyís growth is a perfect time to join Linearís consumer electronics companies. This industry, and the customers it serves, really benefits from such synergy. We expect our business to grow through association and continuing innovation.îAccording to Frank Sterns, Executive Vice President of Niles, ìBy becoming affiliated with Linearís consumer electronics companies, we will gain through exposure to new opportunities. We look forward to working closely with Linearís other companies.îNiles Audio Corporation was launched in 1978 as a maker of switching systems for audio retailers. Today, the company has a line of over 500 products covering every aspect of whole-house audio distribution and the integration of audio/video system, including speakers, receivers, amplifiers, automation devices, controls, and accessories. Niles has built a reputation for total support of dealers and installers, traceable to its roots as a founding member of the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA).ìNiles is another remarkably good fit for us,î said Grant D. Rummell, Linear Chairman. ìThis acquisition continues our pattern of joining together profitable, well-run companies and encouraging them to operate with a high level of independence, while taking advantage of the efficiencies and economies derived from integrated manufacturing, distribution, and support.îLinear is a pioneer in engineered radio frequency (RF) products and is a worldwide supplier of wireless residential security systems, intercoms, garage door operators, gate operators, short and long-range radio remote controls, and medical/emergency reporting systems. In recent years the company, through acquisition, expanded into consumer electronics, home entertainment products, and structured wiring systems for the builder market. Recent acquisitions have included companies with the following brands and products: ChannelPlusÆ whole house audio/video distribution systems; ELANÆ Home Systems multi-room audio/video equipment; M&S SystemsÆ intercoms and central vacuum systems; OmniMountÆ audio/video equipment mounting solutions; OpenHouseÆ structured wiring products; PanamaxÆ power conditioning products for home entertainment and home office electronics; SpeakerCraftÆ and Proficient Audio SystemsÆ speakers and electronics; and XantechÆ infrared remote controls for home entertainment systems.

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