Evertz acquires Studer from HARMAN

Media and entertainment tech solutions firm Evertz has acquired HARMAN’s Studer brand, with the deal set to close in the first quarter of the 2021 calendar year.

The acquisition of one of HARMAN’s most revered brands is a seismic deal for the broadcast market, with Evertz taking ownership of the Studer brand, technology and related assets. The fee is as yet undisclosed.

“We’re pleased to welcome this iconic audio brand to our Evertz family of products and solutions that has been serving the broadcast market for more than 50 years,” said Brian Campbell, EVP business development, Evertz. “We also welcome the many valued Studer customers who depend on Studer technology and reliability to deliver the best audio to their audience.”

In a statement, Evertz promised that it will be investing in Studer for developing ‘next-generation products to meet broadcast customers’ future needs, while creating synergies between its current product suite and the Studer product environment’.

“We saw an exciting opportunity to evolve these premium products with new products and feature development while having Studer continue to redefine how broadcast audio is produced,” added Campbell.

The Studer brand is one of the most iconic brands in the audio business, having made its name in the 1960s when a Studer tape deck was used to record The Beatles’ legendary Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album at Abbey Road Studios. It has since become synonymous with some of the world’s most prestigious broadcast facilities. 

HARMAN acquired Studer in 1994 and modernised the brand with such releases as the digital Vista mixing console series.

“We are very pleased that the stewardship of the iconic Studer brand will continue on under Evertz’s leadership,” said Brian Divine, president, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “The HARMAN team will be working very closely with Evertz over the coming weeks to assure a seamless transition for the customers.”

“We are very proud of the 26 years we brought industry leading Studer products to our broadcast customers,” David Glaubke, director of corporate communications, HARMAN Professional Solutions, told AMI “The transaction will allow HARMAN to further invest in our core AVL brands and products, while the broadcast industry continues to be served by Studer through Evertz.”