The new company, SGM A/S, which replaces the former SGM Technology for Lighting spa, will be headquartered in Aabyhøj, near Aarhus, Denmark, and will concentrate exclusively on developing LED solutions, while continuing to support SGM's current catalogue of discharge lighting.
For Peter Johansen, the man who originally founded Martin Professional, and who joined SGM in late 2010 as R&D director, the buyout provides the opportunity to spearhead his own company again, dedicated to LED development in the entertainment and architectural segments.
For RCF Group, by divesting themselves of the lighting interest they purchased in April 2009, the company can focus on its core audio brand, and build on the start to a year that has already seen sales grow by nearly 50% on the equivalent period last year.
Peter Johansen said the decision was entirely amicable and suits both parties. He added: "I am delighted to be back as an independent operator, as I have always worked better this way."
However, the two companies will not be making a total split. RCF will continue to represent SGM in Italy while their sister company, dBTechnologies will distribute their products in Germany. The two companies will also exhibit side by side at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt following the successful formula established last year. SGM A/S anticipates having as many as 17 new LED products to showcase at Prolight+Sound.
RCF Group chairman, Arturo Vicari, says the decision was entirely amicable and suits both parties.
"Audio is performing well in most territories - other than the Eurozone - and has really burst into life this year, with sales exploding," he said. "Strategically we have decided to invest our time, money and resources into maximising this over the next 12 months. Why waste time in a market other than our core business when there were so many possibilities to exploit in audio?"
As the major shareholder in SGM A/S, Peter Johansen is joined by the LED specialists from his Danish R&D team and the existing SGM sales force. In the new set-up, R&D, admin and after-sales will be based in Denmark, with manufacturing plants in Italy, Thailand and China, and warehousing in Holland.
"The reason I'm so enthusiastic is that having had the opportunity to take over an existing brand name, and been given a free hand to develop it, we remain committed to establishing SGM as one of the absolute leading brands within the industry," he said. "I want us to be seen as the LED company of the future."
The new contact details for the company are: SGM A/S, Soeren Frichs Vej 51-53, DK - 8230 Aabyhoej,
Denmark. Tel: +45 7020 7400. E-mail (Sales): sales@sgmlight.com. E-mail (Support): support@sgmlight.com. E-mail (Info): info@sgmlight.com.
(Lee Baldock)
