D&M Holdings will employ approximately 1,650 people around the world and will succeed Marantz as a publicly traded concern on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE II: 6799). The home theatre and AV market has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years, due to the emergence of home theatre applications, as well as an industry wide digital evolution. D&M Holdings will be well positioned to benefit from this pattern of growth through the development of digital products by matching Denon and Marantz’s expertise in digital AV and visual products as well as wireless technology.
Commenting on the deal, Tatsuo Kabumoto, CEO of Marantz told us: "The combination of Denonand Marantz, backed by world class companies like Ripplewood Holdings and Philips, establishesa platform on which we intend to build a world class company. Marantz regards the establishment of D&M Holdings as yet another important strategic step forward following its acquisition of trademark rights and sales subsidiaries operating in Europe and the US from Philips last May."
Mitsushige Sakamoto, CEO of Denon added: "Integrating Denon’s digital AV technology with Marantz’s video and wireless technology will allow D&M Holdings to secure its position as a leading competitor in the home theatre market."
(Ruth Rossington)
