Investindustrial acquires RCF Group

Global Sound Technologies Participations S.à r.l. has finalised an agreement to acquire Italian audio systems manufacturer RCF Group.

Established in 1949 and headquartered in Reggio Emilia, Italy, RCF Group has reinforced itself over the past two decades as a major professional loudspeaker brand since breaking away from Loud Technologies. In 2023, the Group – which includes dBTechnologies, EAW and Montarbo in addition to RCF – achieved a turnover of approximately €250m. Represented in more than 130 countries, RCF has approximately 600 employees and operates seven plants worldwide in Italy, Albania, United States and Mexico.

Through this partnership, Investindustrial aims to accelerate RCF’s international expansion both organically and through acquisitions, but with a particular focus on Asia, the Middle East and America. Currently representing approximately 70% of its capital, Investindustrial has a proven to be a successful investor in niche manufacturing companies. These include Fassi (truck-mounted hydraulic cranes), Amalfi (private label food manufacturing platform), Ceme (precision fluid control solutions), CSM Ingredients (food ingredients technology), Guala Closures (high-end specialty closures for spirits and beverages) and Omnia Technologies (automation technologies for beverage and pharmaceutical sectors).

Andrea C Bonomi, chairman of the Investindustrial Industrial Advisory Board, commented: “As we have proven many times, Investindustrial is the ideal partner for entrepreneurial families looking to elevate their companies to the next level of global expansion. RCF Group is an Italian leader in the professional audio market, known for its strong growth, tradition of quality, innovation and commitment to sustainability.”

Having achieved strong results for the Group’s growth over 20 years, the RCF management team will continue to play a key role in the future development of the business. As such, Arturo Vicari and Alfredo Macchiaverna will continue to hold the roles of chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors, respectively.

Bonomi furthered: “We are excited to work with CEO Arturo Vicari, chairman Alfredo Macchiaverna and the entire management team and the shareholder families on a growth project focused on consolidating RCF’s presence in its existing markets, expanding its footprint – especially in Asia – and strengthening its competitive position also through acquisitions. Investindustrial’s long track record of successful investments in family-owned companies, its industrial approach and its global infrastructure were key factors in creating this partnership with RCF. Together, we share the same vision: to make RCF even stronger and the global leader in the professional audio market.”

Arturo Vicari, CEO of RCF Group, stated: “We are proud to be partnering with one of the most successful entrepreneurs on the market today. We have chosen to work with a group that not only shares our desire to manufacture excellent and successful products but, first and foremost, the absolute transparency in the way of doing business that has always defined our families.”