Barco, a technology company specialising in innovative visualisation solutions, has reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of VerVent Audio Holding, a French-British audio company that produces high‑end audio systems, headphones, and automotive OEM audio solutions under the brands Focal and Naim.
The agreement signifies a major expansion for Barco’s portfolio, positioning the company as a fully integrated audiovisual (AV) solutions provider.
An Steegen, CEO of Barco, says: "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."
High-end AV solutions
Based in Saint-Étienne, France, VerVent is a prestigious audio group with extensive expertise in designing and manufacturing high-end audio systems under its internationally renowned Focal and Naim brands.
Its portfolio ranges from premium loudspeakers and immersive and active audio solutions, to headphones, studio monitors and automotive and yachting OEM systems. A growing bespoke installation and home theatre offering accompanies these products.
With a strong international retail and distribution network spanning 80+ premium boutiques and thousands of sales points, VerVent brings an immediate platform for go-to-market acceleration.
A combination of audiophile consumer audio and top-tier home cinema segments, the premium audio market is estimated at over €3 billion. This is supported by trends in immersive sound, active speakers, integrated systems, and direct‑to‑consumer go‑to‑market models.
The anticipated acquisition will enable Barco to evolve towards integrated AV solutions and provide high‑end visualisation and audio solutions to both consumer and professional customers.
In addition to the home and consumer segment, this will create opportunities to develop integrated AV propositions in home cinema, public spaces and professional cinema, rooted in both Barco’s leading cinema and high‑end residential visualisation products and VerVent’s premium audio expertise.
VerVent generates approximately €110 million in annual revenue, and the acquisition has an Enterprise Value of around €135 million. The transaction is planned to be financed with Barco’s own funds. The company then expects to achieve synergies over the next few years.
Including this acquisition, Barco reconfirms its long-term EBITDA margin guidance of 15% by 2028.
After closing, VerVent will form part of Barco’s Entertainment division.
Barco plans to support the company’s ongoing strategy, which concentrates on high‑end premium audio positioning, upgrading technology towards digital, active, and connected products, streamlining its portfolio, and leveraging its sales network to include consumer channels and brand licensing.
The completion of the transaction remains subject to the prior information and consultation of the employee representative bodies, in accordance with applicable legislation, as well as customary closing conditions.
Earlier this month, Barco shared details of its contribution to the touring immersive experience The Ways in Patterns – An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum, which uses I600 and G50 projectors to deliver high image accuracy and complex digital mapping.
