RCF Group continued its growth with this week’s acquisition of Eastern Acoustics Works (EAW), a Whitinsville, Mass.-based company rooted in install and touring sound, from LOUD Audio LLC, a portfolio company of Transom Capital Group.
The deal comes less than a year after Transcom bought EAW and its sister brands under the LOUD Audio, LLC umbrella.
[related]RCF Group, which has Italian headquarters in Reggio Emilia and Bologna and subsidiaries in the U.S. and Europe, operates as RCF and AEB Industriale (dB Technologies).
The conglomerate is adding EAW “to further become an international leader in designing, producing and selling products and systems for professional audio and public address installations,” according to the press release announcing the deal.
“Since their early days, the two companies have been very close with RCF supplying professional drivers to EAW,” said RCF Group CEO Arturo Vicari in the announcement. “Both brands successfully expanded around the world and their histories were often linked. Finally, we can look at a bright future together.
“Even though EAW will remain a totally independent company, being part of our group will provide EAW with the necessary investments and focus for a fast and solid growth,” he said.
Reaction to RCF Group’s Acquisition of EAW
EAW president TJ Smith is excited about joining the RCF family as part of the acquisition.
“For those who love EAW, it is difficult to imagine a better scenario,” says TJ Smith, EAW president.
“For those who love EAW, it is difficult to imagine a better scenario,” he said. “From the first moment this possibility started to materialize, it has been clear that joining forces with RCF Group is a great opportunity for EAW.
“This transaction is a true recognition of what the brand represents, its potential, as well as the team we have built over recent years. With gratitude to the long list of those that built EAW over its 40-year history, we look forward to the exciting time in front of us,” said Smith.
CapM Advisors acted as financial advisor to RCF Group. Studio Legale Chiomenti and Good Procter LLP served as legal counsel to RCF Group. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal counsel to LOUD and Transom Capital Group.
Transcom Capital Group purchased all LOUD Technologies brands in October 2017, including Mackie, Ampeg, EAW and Martin Audio.
