Jürg Hügin, chairman of the Audio Rent Clair board, comments: "The opportunities for both companies that became apparent when we started talking have made this such an obvious move for us. Our clients have asked us for increased flexibility and we have been able to answer in a way that extends our in- house skills base even further, as well as adding logistical benefits. It's a great situation for everyone."
As part of the Audio Rent Clair group, Concert Sound Clair will maintain its own identity and commercial operation. Concert Sound's current management team and staff will remain in place, working in partnership with their Swiss based colleagues.
Commenting on the move, Concert Sound Clair's managing director Tim Boyle stated: "I am excited about the new products and services we can bring to our clients and also for the new opportunities that will arise for every member of the team, both here and in Switzerland."
Audio Rent Clair's 90,000sq.ft warehouse in Aesch will remain the main hub for the European Clair touring inventory. Meanwhile, Concert Sound Clair's presence close to London gives access to proprietary Clair products and services for UK-based clients.
Emphasising the importance of the European expansion, Troy Clair, president and CEO of Clair stated, "Having Concert Sound as part of the Clair group is much more than a logistical move. It is the culmination of a close working relationship and friendships that stretch back many years. Time and again the UK team has demonstrated its commitment to service and pushing the industry forward. As such, it is a natural fit into our organisation and we are excited by what it can add."
Barrie Marshall, chairman of Concert Sound, commented: "I have been extremely proud of the remarkable team and achievements at Concert Sound over the years. I am delighted that we are able to join forces with Troy Clair and his team, whom we have admired for many years - it is a perfect fit. I will step back as chairman from the end of the year, but remain a Director of the Board."
(Jim Evans)
