Barco Acquires Focal, Naim for Audio Integration

Barco, the Belgian visual technology specialist, is set to significantly expand its audio capabilities through the acquisition of VerVent Audio Holding, the parent entity of renowned audio brands Focal and Naim Audio. This strategic move, valued at approximately EUR 135 million (roughly $147.5 million USD), aims to create a more cohesive audiovisual experience for customers across various markets.

The transaction, funded entirely by Barco's internal resources, will integrate VerVent's premium audio expertise into Barco's existing portfolio. VerVent, based in Saint-Etienne, France, boasts annual revenues around EUR 110 million and a strong reputation for high-fidelity sound. Their product range encompasses everything from high-end loudspeakers and headphones to sophisticated automotive and yachting audio systems, alongside a growing presence in custom home theater installations.

This union brings together two distinct yet complementary audio powerhouses. French manufacturer Focal is celebrated for its loudspeaker engineering, professional studio monitors, and automotive sound solutions. Meanwhile, British firm Naim Audio is a respected name in two-channel hi-fi, offering high-performance streaming devices, amplifiers, and music servers. The combination promises to unlock synergies where visual and auditory elements can be seamlessly interwoven.

An Steegen, CEO of Barco, highlighted the strategic imperative behind the acquisition, stating it will enable the company to offer complete solutions where sight and sound work in concert. This expansion into premium audio is expected to open new avenues for Barco in the professional cinema, home theater, and high-end residential sectors, markets where integrated, high-quality experiences are increasingly in demand. The global market for home audio equipment, for instance, is projected to see continued growth, driven by consumer demand for immersive entertainment and smart home integration.

Barco, a publicly traded entity on Euronext, reported sales of EUR 964 million and net profits of EUR 71.6 million in 2025. The company is widely recognized for its advanced projection systems, cinema displays, and control room visualization technologies. By acquiring VerVent, Barco is not only diversifying its revenue streams but also enhancing its value proposition in the competitive audiovisual technology space.

The acquisition is anticipated to be finalized in the latter half of 2026, pending the usual regulatory approvals. VerVent's established international footprint, with significant operations in Europe and North America and expanding reach into Asia and the Middle East, provides Barco with immediate global market access for its enhanced product offerings.