Audient plc and LA Audio have announced the formation of a strategic alliance that will see the operations of the two companies merge in a new joint venture under the Audient plc umbrella. Audient has relocated to new headquarters at Herriard Park in North Hampshire, UK, to provide room for the newly enlarged enterprise and for planned future growth.

A new joint Sales and Marketing resource has been established, headed up by Luke Baldry as Director of Sales and Marketing. Baldry was Sales Manager with Expotus plc, which had previously handled distribution management for both the Audient and LA Audio brands. Anne Liversidge and Neil Saunders, also formerly with Expotus, complete the core of the team with responsibilities for Marketing and Operations respectively.

Luke Baldry comments; 'This is an exciting development for Audient and LA Audio. It will help us work more closely with our customers and will put us in a strong position to continue the expansion in sales of these two product ranges.'

This first stage of the collaboration was completed in mid January and the merger will complete in July 2003 when Audient assumes responsibility for LA Audio production and product development. The principals behind the LA Audio designs, Steve Buchanan and Jean-Claude Lecocq will relocate to join the rest of the Audient team in Hampshire at this time.

Julian Blyth, owner of the LA Audio brand joins the Audient plc board along with Paul Griffiths and David Kleeman of Fayrewood plc, owners of Expotus.

Gareth Davies, Audient Managing Director says; 'This is an important and exciting step for both Audient and the LA Audio brand. End-users and our distribution partners will see real benefits from this merger. The increased 'mass' of the enlarged business will allow us to pursue our growth plans with new vigour.'