SSE Audio acquires Wigwam Acoustics

SEE Audio Group has acquired Wigwam Acoustics, creating what the firm describes as "the largest audio hire, sales and installation group in the UK."

The deal, which sees Wigwam’s Mick Spratt and Chris Hill take a shareholding in SSE, includes the integration of both sales and installations divisions. Alex Penn has been appointed sales director, and will lead the expanded equipment sales department, while SSE Installations – headed up by director Emma Bigg – has a strong presence in the nightclub sector, where its engineers install and service AV equipment at numerous venues around the country. Wigwam is particularly active in installations for cathedrals, churches and theatres.

Following the acquisition of ETA Sound by SEE Audio in 2012, the installation and servicing of PAVA equipment in arenas, stadiums and public spaces countrywide has also been added to the Group’s portfolio.

“We are extremely proud to announce that we have joined forces with Wigwam. There are great synergies between the two companies and together we aim to deliver even better service and wider choice to our enlarged client base," said John Penn, managing director of the expanded Group. "With the additional premises in Heywood, and the combined equipment pool, experience and services of both companies together, we believe we are in a great position to move forward.”

Mick Spratt, director of Wigwam, added: “We have been talking to SSE about joining up for some time. Chris (Hill) and I were looking for a route to secure a long term future for Wigwam and our staff which would be least disruptive to what is a very successful company. We’ve known and respected John and Heather for over 30 years and believe that both companies have similar cultures and vision. SSE puts customer service at the heart of its business practices, and we at Wigwam operate in a similar way, so we believe that this merger will only enhance the services we can offer to our clients.”

“From the customer perspective nothing will change at Wigwam," Penn continued. "The company is very successful and much loved, and we don’t want to mess about with that formula. What we can add are our information technology systems and equipment management software, which are known to be leading edge in the industry, and of course our combined equipment pool will enable the Group to offer L’Acoustics, D&B, Meyer, Adamson and Nexo systems to both companies’ clients.”

Wigwam’s Manchester base will be added to SSE’s current locations, which include a Head Office in Redditch, plus offices in London, Bradford, Paris and Nantes. The expanded company now employs 140 full time staff, with combined revenue in excess of £20 million.

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