Moves and Changes in the Pro AV Industry: Mergers, Collaborations, and Personal Appointments
In the ever-evolving world of Professional Audio-Visual (Pro AV) technology, 2025 has witnessed a significant wave of acquisitions and strategic partnerships. These moves aim to enhance technology offerings, expand geographic reach, and bolster service capabilities, as the industry gears up to meet the rising demand for integrated digital workplace solutions and remote production technologies.
One of the most notable deals of the year was the acquisition of a controlling stake in AVI-SPL by 26North. AVI-SPL, a global leader in audio-video and unified communications technologies, serves over 86% of the Fortune 100 and delivers AV, collaboration, and experiential tech solutions worldwide. This deal positions 26North strongly in the digital workplace and AV integration market.
Another significant acquisition saw Hall Technologies acquire the Atlona product portfolio from Panduit. This strategic move enhances Hall's offerings in AV distribution, control, and connectivity, and bolsters its position as a premier Pro AV provider, expanding its global footprint. Atlona’s product lineup complements Hall’s expertise in education, corporate, and hospitality verticals.
Audinate expanded its cloud service capabilities in media and collaboration technologies by acquiring Iris Studio, a cloud-based camera control specialist. Kramer also strengthened its position in video distribution and remote production by acquiring ZeeVee.
Notable mergers and partnerships in 2025 also involve companies such as QSC, Yorktel, CTI, Avocor, and AVI Systems, who are expanding via acquisitions and geographic footprint extensions to better serve corporate, education, government, and Latin American markets.
Several companies are also partnering to showcase combined product innovations. Sonance and Blaze Audio announced a joint exhibit of integrated audio solutions at InfoComm 2025, while Cinegy and Scale Logic announced a strategic partnership at IBC 2024, extending Cinegy's presence in the United States and elsewhere.
The collaboration between BrightSign and Praevar is set to transform Praevar's high-brightness Placard and Podium series displays into all-in-one visual messaging and marketing solutions. Boom Collaboration is partnering with TD SYNNEX for distribution of its high performance cameras, audio, and connectivity hardware across the United States and Canada.
In personnel news, Peter Thomsen was appointed as commercial director at nxtedition, Jim Reed was appointed as manager of installed sound and system designs at RCF, and Christina Murgo joined USSI Global's Digital Signage and Technology Group as director of sales and business development. Kira Baca was appointed as the chief revenue officer (CRO) for the newly merged Fabric x Xytech entity.
Thijs Bruins was appointed as global sales manager for Follow-Me, manufacturers of high-end performer tracking solutions. Grass Valley reached a strategic partnership agreement with ES Broadcast, marking the continuation and expansion of a long-standing relationship.
The Pro AV industry is also seeing advancements in technology, with Audinate welcoming new cloud-based solutions from Calrec, Gallery Sienna, LAMA, Lawo, and Telos Alliance to the growing list of applications that support native Dante audio. Matrox Video has partnered with value-added distributor (VAD) Intronics, focusing on supplying Matrox Video's AV-over-IP infrastructure solutions in Spain and the Benelux region.
LG Electronics acquired a stake in Mo-Sys Engineering, expanding its capabilities in the virtual production and broadcasting technology segments. Haivision MCS was awarded a significant five-year production agreement by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), with an estimated total value of $61.2 million USD. Specifi announced a new integration with Nice North America, enabling Nice dealers to create compelling proposals and enhance their online presence.
Finally, David Grindle will conclude his term as the SMPTE's executive director on Oct. 18. These moves reflect an ongoing trend of consolidation and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing technology offerings, geographic reach, and service capabilities in the Pro AV industry amidst rising demand for integrated digital workplace solutions and remote production technologies.
- In the digital signage sector, businesses are seeking to expand and enhance their technology offerings, posing a competitive landscape in the industry.
- AVI-SPL, a global leader in the AV and unified communications technologies space, serves 86% of the Fortune 100, making it a crucial player in the digital workplace and AV integration market.
- The acquisition of Atlona's product portfolio by Hall Technologies has extended Hall's offerings in AV distribution, control, and connectivity, making them a premier Pro AV provider with a larger global footprint.
- Audinate has expanded its cloud service capabilities in media and collaboration technologies through the acquisition of Iris Studio, positioning it further in this competitive industry.
- The Pro AV industry is seeing a surge of acquisitions and geographic footprint extensions, with companies such as QSC, Yorktel, CTI, Avocor, and AVI Systems looking to better serve corporate, education, government, and Latin American markets.
- The collaboration between technology companies, such as Sonance and Blaze Audio, and strategic partnerships, like that between Cinegy and Scale Logic, are showcasing combined product innovations and expanding their presence in various regions.
- Investments in Personnel news include the appointment of Peter Thomsen as commercial director at nxtedition, Jim Reed as manager of installed sound and system designs at RCF, Christina Murgo as director of sales and business development at USSI Global's Digital Signage and Technology Group, and Kira Baca as the chief revenue officer (CRO) for the newly merged Fabric x Xytech entity.
- The Pro AV industry is also witnessing advancements in technology, with LG Electronics expanding its capabilities in virtual production and broadcasting technology segments through the acquisition of a stake in Mo-Sys Engineering, and Matrox Video partnering with value-added distributor Intronics to supply its AV-over-IP infrastructure solutions in Spain and the Benelux region.
