Simple Audio, a Glasgow-based networked audio company, has been acquired by the US-based high-performance PC accessory company Corsair. The multi-million-dollar deal will help to get Simple Audio’s music-streaming products launched throughout Asia and the USA this year.
Simple Audio’s key products are high-definition networked music players. There are currently two versions of the “Roomplayer”; one with a built-in amplifier and one without. Simple Audio was founded five years ago by four former execs from high-end audio company Linn. Simple Audio’s products aim to provide listeners with high quality digital audio but its product prices are well below those of Linn, reports The Herald.
Commenting upon today’s deal, Peter Murphy, Founder and CEO of Simple Audio said “When I started Simple Audio the aim was to make high quality digital music accessible to more people. Now the company is in a much stronger position to make this a reality. Corsair's extensive resources and worldwide distribution infrastructure will undoubtedly help Simple Audio achieve its ambitions, including plans to launch our products in the USA and Asia during 2013. We're delighted to be a part of Corsair and very excited about the future.”
Corsair’s President and CEO, Andy Paul, said that Corsair has been watching Simple Audio since 2010 and his company has been “extremely impressed” by the HD digital music equipment developed by Simple Audio so far. The Roomplayer was singled out as a star attraction; “Their high quality, high-performance Roomplayer system demystifies and simplifies the process of playing digital music throughout the home. We believe now is the right time to invest in the fast-growing digital music space and are delighted to help Simple Audio bring their incredible vision into reality and to music lovers around the world,” explained Mr Paul.
Smartphone and desktop Roomplayer control
Simple Audio’s accounts for 2011 and 2012 show consecutive losses of £185k and £210k respectively, according to The Herald. However its key Roomplayer products were only launched last year. Corsair certainly must have a good feeling about these Roomplayer devices becoming a lot more popular to sign a “multi-million dollar deal” for Simple Audio’s business.
Corsair stated that the Simple Audio development team will continue to work from their offices in Scotland.
