French loudspeaker manufacturer Nexo SA has made its debut on the Paris Stock Exchange. A minority percentage of Nexo’s equity was sold, the majority by placement, and 10% by public offering. Both parts of the issue were in heavy demand, the public offering oversubscribed by six times.

Nexo is one of only a handful of European pro-audio companies to be taken public, a reflection on two decades of growth and solid international sales achievement. Micky Johnson, one of the founding partners of the company, detailed the strategic rationale behind the flotation. "Primarily, the objective was to gain access to the capital markets to finance any large projects which may arise, as well as broadening the base of shareholders in the company. It is important to stress that there will be no change in the day-to-day running of the organisation, and that the board of directors will remain the same. With the valuation of the company’s shares, we now have the opportunity to introduce a meaningful stock option plan to retain and motivate our key staff."

Over the last 10 years, Nexo technology for touring and installation applications has broken new ground, most notably with the Alpha System which demonstrated high ‘Q’ performance, ease of handling, extreme power-to-weight advantage and advanced acoustic design. In 1999, Nexo made its corporate debut on the North American audio scene. The Nexo USA office was opened in California, where it has quickly established the Nexo product portfolio as one of the most exciting and innovative on the current market.

"The successful May Listing on the Paris Stock Exchange marks the complete metamorphosis of the company, from niche technology-driven product development to a globally competitive, market-driven manufacturer," says Mick Anderson, International Sales Director. With offices based in Europe-Far East and USA, and a rapidly expanding worldwide distribution network, the company continues to expand in all areas of its activities to meet ever-increasing market demands.


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