L-Acoustics has announced the future acquisition of a majority stake in audiovisual services and rental company DeltaLive UK (Delta Sound Incorporated (UK) Ltd). This follows the November 2018 acquisition by L-Acoustics Group of HGP, a manufacturer of precision sheet metal, and its sister entity, API, specialised in powder coating. For DeltaLive UK founders Paul Keating and Mark Bonner, this move coincides with the sale of their Dubai-based operations, Delta Sound LLC to PRG.

DeltaLive UK has been a long-standing customer of L-Acoustics as a member of the L-Acoustics Certified Provider Network. DeltaLive UK uses L-Acoustics state-of-the-art sound solutions in association with all components of the audiovisual chain in a wide range of services, providing a rich and challenging environment for the systems. DeltaLive UK enjoys a well-deserved reputation for top-quality service for prestigious projects ranging from BBC Proms, to the opening and closing ceremonies of major cultural and sporting events, to Royal and public events.

The relationship between L-Acoustics and DeltaLive UK had recently been strengthened by the introduction of L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound, a trailblazing technology that paves the way towards the future of sound. DeltaLive UK deployed L-ISA technology in high-profile events such as sound production of BBC Proms 2018 at the Royal Albert Hall.

For L-Acoustics Group, the acquisition reinforces its expertise in all areas of professional audio – from conception through to manufacturing and operation in the field, widening the possibilities for fresh creative and collaborative approaches to the deployment of audio and visual technologies to enhance the audience experience.

‘Welcoming DeltaLive UK into the L-Acoustics Group of companies was a natural next step in our relationship, but DeltaLive UK’s positioning within the group and in relation to L-Acoustics Network of Certified Providers is totally unambiguous,’ says L-Acoustics Group CEO, Hervé Guillaume. ‘DeltaLive UK will continue to operate independently under the joint management of Mark Bonner and Paul Keating, with no change to the services or conditions of sale, rental and production that the company has been providing over the past 30 years.

‘The medium-term strategy is for DeltaLive UK to venture into markets that have hitherto remained unexplored by L-Acoustics, with the commissioning of private and professional multichannel auditoria such as Island or Ocean, featuring best-in-class L-ISA technology under the banner of L-Acoustics Creations.’

‘Technologies are becoming more complex and often challenging for service companies,’ says L-Acoustics President and founder, Christian Heil. ‘L-Acoustics is a pioneer in audio-related fields and connected activities. We therefore need partners who are consistently in touch with end-users, and can assist us in refining and validating our offer to better align with the escalating standards of high-level show production. DeltaLive UK brings a wide range of opportunities, and its geographical proximity to our offices in London will allow us to fulfill this mission.

‘There is no question of us ever interfering in the provision of services or developing large-scale rental solutions,’ he continues. ‘The economic rationale that led us to make this acquisition is our total commitment to our nascent L-Acoustics Creations business segment, the purpose of which is to propose our very best technologies for lifestyle, design, and sound art creative applications. Thanks to the work ethic and charisma of Paul Keating, I believe that DeltaLive UK will be the driving force behind this new and exciting activity.’

‘Delta has always had a strong professional and friendly relationship with L-Acoustics,’ Keating adds. ‘Excuse the pun, but very much the French Connection. This year is our thirtieth year and we felt it was time to move the business forward for the future. As Hervé mentioned, nothing will change in terms of the day-to-day management of the company, and the excellent team at DeltaLive UK will continue to exceed customer and audience expectations.

‘L-Acoustics is a great fit. With the company’s leading technology and reputation for the highest quality audio products and performance, we are excited by our next phase of development,’ Keating adds. ‘In particular, the revolutionary L-ISA technology will strengthen our specialist audio services to clients. At a personal level, I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead and working closely with L-Acoustics, growing their private, lifestyle and sound art sector. Exciting times ahead…’