Private equity firm One Equity Partners (OEP) has started the process to purchase Nexora, the parent company of Almo Pro AV. Almo Pro AV announced the agreement, which would make OEP the long-term investment partner of the North American Pro AV distributor’s parent company. Under the purchase agreement, the companies expect to complete the ownership transition by March 2027.
Key Things to Know
- The deal: OEP has begun the process to buy Nexora, which owns Almo Pro AV.
- Timing: The companies expect to complete the transition by March 2027.
- Customer impact: Almo Pro AV says existing vendor and customer relationships will continue.
- Digital upgrades: The distributor plans a new website and improved bid registration and freight tools.
- Nexora’s scale: The company generates more than $3 billion in annual revenue and works with more than 30,000 partners.
- Leadership: Nexora’s current management team will stay in place.
What Is the One Equity Partners and Nexora Deal?
The deal is an agreement for OEP to buy Nexora and become its long-term investment partner, with the transition expected to wrap up by March 2027. Nexora is the parent company of Almo Pro AV, a value-added Pro AV distributor with nationwide reach in North America.
The announcement doesn’t include financial terms. Nexora says the agreement supports a larger investment in technology and growth across North America and Europe.
What Does the Acquisition Mean for Almo Pro AV Customers?
Almo Pro AV says customers can expect their current relationships and support to continue after the ownership change. The distributor says the deal is a way to speed up work already underway, not a change in strategy.
“This partnership doesn’t change our direction. It accelerates where we’re already headed,” says Dan Smith, executive vice president of Almo Pro AV. “Our vendor partners and customers can continue to count on the connections they have today, combined with the specialized support that sets Almo Pro AV apart. With OEP’s investment and experience growing technology and distribution businesses, we now have a much larger platform to build on our strengths and create even greater value for our partners.”
For integrators who buy through Almo Pro AV, the near-term message is continuity. Sales contacts, vendor lines and support structures aren’t expected to shift as part of the transition.
How Will the Deal Affect Manufacturer Partners?
Manufacturer partners stand to gain broader reach through Almo Pro AV’s expanding digital capabilities, according to the distributor. The company says those tools will help connect vendors’ products with more customers.
Nexora also points to a wider opportunity. The agreement gives the company a chance to connect manufacturers and customers across all of its businesses in North America and Europe.
What Digital Tool Upgrades Is Almo Pro AV Planning?
Almo Pro AV plans to launch a new website and improve its bid registration and freight tools. The company says the upgrades will give customers faster access to information.
“We’re launching a more powerful website and improving bid registration and freight tools to give customers faster access to information and free up our sales teams to focus on relationships,” Smith says. “For manufacturers, our expanded digital capabilities will help connect their products with more customers. We’re committed to continually improving the experience for everyone who works with Almo Pro AV.”
How Large Is Nexora?
Nexora generates more than $3 billion in annual revenue and maintains relationships with more than 30,000 partners, according to the company. It operates through six local trading brands: Almo, Azenn Connect, CapTech, COMM-TEC, Hammer and JAM.
Nexora says each of those brands holds a leadership position in its market. OEP’s Jamie Koven points to the company’s track record of acquisitions as a key reason for the investment.
“Over the past decade Nexora has executed significant transformation projects and acquisitions to create the leading Pro AV and Audio distributor,” says Koven, a partner at One Equity Partners. “With our support, we are convinced Nexora can expand its position in both North America and Europe.”
Will Nexora’s Leadership Change After the Sale?
No, Nexora’s existing management team will continue to lead the company after the sale. The company says that approach ensures continuity of leadership and execution.
Nexora also plans to keep its current strategy of acquiring and accelerating specialist local trading brands. The company describes its mission as delivering progressive technology that enriches lives.
Clive Fitzharris, CEO of Nexora, says the partnership reflects shared goals with OEP.
“Today marks an exciting next chapter for Nexora. As our business continues to deliver strong growth, One Equity Partners are a partner who share our vision and ambition to accelerate the next phase of our strategy and growth,” Fitzharris says.
He adds that the company’s core strengths won’t change. “The partnership reflects the strength of the specialist business our people and partners have built together over decades. The things that make Nexora successful today will remain and indeed accelerate with this partnership,” Fitzharris says.
What Should AV Integrators Watch For?
Integrators should watch for the rollout of Almo Pro AV’s new website and updated bid registration and freight tools, which are the most direct changes the distributor has announced. These tools affect daily tasks such as quoting, project registration and shipping logistics.
Integrators may also want to track whether Nexora pursues new acquisitions with OEP’s backing. The company has said it’ll continue its strategy of adding specialist brands, which could expand product lines and services available through its distribution network over time.
