Linear Acquires Niles Audio
By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 7/18/2005
Carlsbad, Calif. — Linear continued to pursue its aggressive acquisition strategy with the purchase of Miami-based Niles Audio, the major supplier of whole house audio/video distribution and integration products for custom installers.
In recent years, Linear has acquired multiple custom-installation suppliers, including distributed-A/V supplier ChannelPlus, multiroom-A/V equipment company ELAN Home Systems, intercom and central vacuum supplier M&S, component-mounting-equipment supplier OmniMount, structured-wiring company OpenHouse, custom speaker and electronics supplier SpeakerCraft, and IR-distribution supplier Xantech.
Earlier this year, Linear acquired Panamax, the maker of surge-protection and power-conditioning equipment.
“Niles is another remarkably good fit for us,” said Linear’s chairman Grant Rummell. “This acquisition continues our pattern of joining together profitable, well-run companies and encouraging them to operate with a high level of independence, while taking advantage of the efficiencies and economies derived from integrated manufacturing, distribution and support.”
Linear’s parent, privately held Nortek, offers products and systems for commercial, industrial and residential applications. It is a worldwide supplier of wireless residential security systems, intercoms, garage door operators, gate operators, short and long-range radio remote controls and medical/emergency reporting systems.
As a result of the acquisition, said Frank Sterns, Niles’ executive VP, Niles “will gain through exposure to new opportunities. We look forward to working closely with Linear’s other companies.”
Niles’ owner Ivan Zuckerman added, “This industry, and the customers it serves, really benefits from such synergy. We expect our business to grow through association and continuing innovation.”
Niles currently offers a line of more than 500 products, including speakers, receivers, amplifiers, automation devices, controls and accessories. Niles Audio Corporation was launched in 1978 as a maker of switching systems for audio retailers.
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