Audio Video News

On the eve of CES 2018, Sound United today announced that it has acquired Classé Audio, the Canadian maker of high-performance AV components.

Founded in 1980, Classé had been owned and distributed by Bowers & Wilkins. Dave Nauber will remain as president under the deal.

With the acquisition, Classé joins a family of iconic audio brands — Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, and Boston Acoustics — under the Sound United umbrella.

“Through this acquisition, Sound United will continue to drive its global growth and recognition, spearheading innovation in the category and increasing its footprint in the consumer audio space,” the company said in a press release.

“Acquiring Classé Audio demonstrates Sound United’s continued focus on catering to our customers, who crave performance and innovation,” said Kevin Duffy, CEO of Sound United. “This acquisition opens opportunities to capitalize on new markets and niches within the high-end audio community, continuing Sound United’s evolution as a premium player. We look forward to partnering with the talented management team of Classé Audio to grow the combined business and bring our expanded capabilities to our employees and customers.”

“We’re overwhelmingly pleased Classé Audio is joining Sound United’s respected family of brands, Nauber said. “With a strong resurgence of the audiophile community, and Sound United’s existing synergy with the recently purchased D+M Group, we’re confident our overall market positioning as a premium option will only strengthen. Ultimately, this is an excellent opportunity for Classé employees, customers and strategic partners to bring our energy and ideas to the forefront.”

Sound United is a division of Boston-based DEI Holdings. In addition to the brands noted earlier the company’s portfolio includes the spin-off brands Heos (Denon) and Polk Boom.