GLOBAL: In a move that signals a broader strategic push into immersive audiovisual ecosystems, Barco has announced that it has reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of VerVent Audio Holding (“VerVent”), a French-British premium audio company known for its high-end audio systems, headphones and automotive OEM audio solutions under the globally recognised Focal and Naim brands.

The proposed acquisition marks a significant expansion of Barco’s technology portfolio and positions the company to evolve into a fully integrated audiovisual solutions provider, combining its established expertise in visualisation with premium audio capabilities.

“Today marks an important step in Barco’s ambition to shape the future of immersive audiovisual experiences. By welcoming VerVent and its iconic Focal and Naim brands into the Barco family, we accelerate our strategy to deliver fully integrated solutions where image and sound reinforce each other seamlessly. Building on our leadership in visualization, we go all-in on Entertainment. The addition of high-fidelity audio strengthens the overall experience of our offering across high-end residential and broader consumer/home entertainment environments, as well as in professional markets. This combination expands our reach, deepens our technology capabilities, and positions us to capture new opportunities across the audiovisual value chain. We are excited to embark on this next chapter together,” said An Steegen, CEO of Barco.

Headquartered in Saint‑Étienne, VerVent has built a longstanding reputation in the premium audio sector through the design and manufacture of high-performance audio systems. Its portfolio spans premium loudspeakers, immersive and active audio solutions, headphones, studio monitors and automotive and yachting OEM systems, alongside a growing custom installation and home theatre offering. The company also operates an extensive global retail and distribution footprint, with more than 80 premium boutiques and thousands of sales points worldwide.

Industry estimates place the premium audio market — combining audiophile consumer audio and high-end home cinema segments — at more than €3 billion, driven by growing interest in immersive sound, active loudspeaker systems, integrated AV platforms and direct-to-consumer distribution models.

For Barco, the acquisition would enable a significant evolution of its solutions portfolio, allowing the company to combine high-end visualisation and audio capabilities into unified experiences for both professional and consumer environments. Beyond the residential segment, the integration is expected to open new opportunities across public spaces, home cinema installations and professional cinema environments — building on Barco’s established leadership in cinema projection and high-end residential visualisation while leveraging VerVent’s expertise in premium audio engineering.

The Enterprise Value of the acquisition is approximately €135 million, with the transaction expected to be financed through Barco’s own funds. VerVent currently generates annual revenues of around €110 million, and Barco anticipates realising operational synergies in the coming years. Including the acquisition, the company has reconfirmed its long-term EBITDA margin guidance of 15% by 2028.

Once completed, VerVent will be integrated into Barco’s Entertainment division. Barco has indicated that it intends to support VerVent’s ongoing strategic roadmap, which focuses on strengthening its high-end premium audio positioning while advancing technology development toward digital, active and connected product platforms, rationalising the product portfolio and further leveraging its global sales network, including consumer channels and brand licensing.

Completion of the transaction remains subject to prior information and consultation with the relevant employee representative bodies, in accordance with applicable legislation, along with customary closing conditions.