Røde acquires Mackie
Røde acquires Mackie
In a deal reportedly valued at US$120 million, Røde Microphones has announced the acquisition of Mackie from Transom Capital, the Los Angeles-based private equity firm.
The addition of Mackie to a portfolio including Aphex, Event, Røde and SoundField, significantly enhances The Freedman Group’s audio production ecosystem. In addition to its headquarters and factory in Silverwater, Sydney, Røde exports to 118 countries globally and has offices in China, UK, and the USA.
Following Transom Capital's recent investment in the commercial installation and conferencing business of Bose Professional, the sale of the Mackie brand appears timely. In addition to Mackie, Capital Group acquired Ampeg, EAW and Martin Audio in October 2017, and has subsequently sold them all.
Previously competing with Røde, Mackie introduced the DLZ Creator podcast mixer and interface and the OnyxGo wireless microphone in the last two years. Having removed a competitor, Rode will significantly enhance the brand’s credentials by controlling Mackie’s engineering within Silverwater’s 21st century facility. In addition, Mackie's Melbourne-based chief technology officer and respected engineer, Danny Olesh, now joins Røde.
"I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Mackie to The Freedman Group’s roster of iconic audio brands," commented Røde founder and chairman, Peter Freedman. "They are true legends, with a pedigree of live sound expertise that is simply unmatched. With this acquisition, The Freedman Group is now a premier audio technology company offering world-class products to an even wider range of customers, from up-and-coming content creators to professionals working in live production and everyone in-between."
An integral player in the home recording revolution in the 1990s, Mackie quickly made a name for itself as a brand with a focus on ‘built-like-a-tank’ quality and affordability. Innovations including the DL1602 and D8B mixers together with the SRM450 loudspeaker became classics. Combined with a unique approach to marketing, that was established during the office of Rom Koliha, Mackie continues to be regarded as a premium brand in the recording and live sound industries.
Current Mackie CEO, Alex Nelson, added: “Having worked in the audio industry for many years, I have always held Røde in high esteem. Their manufacturing capability and technology leadership is second-to-none in pro audio and I think they are the perfect partner to help Mackie expand as we enter an exciting new chapter in our history. Also, the timing could not be better. We have an incredible product roadmap ahead of us, which we’ll be making some big announcements for leading up to NAMM 2024."
