<May 18, 2011> Shortly after a story appeared in last week’s BEACON about Lenbrook’s decision to terminate its national independent sales force and transition to a direct sales model, we were contacted by David Humphries, president of IPRO, the nation’s most prominent organization of independent sales representatives. Humphries shared with us the organization’s perspective on the Lenbrook decision and the role of the independent rep in today’s industry.
Industry Trends
Russound Pulls the Plug on Colorado vNet
Colorado Town Council Plans Lawsuit
<December 29, 2010> In a move that will not surprise many in the industry, Russound has decided to close Colorado vNet fourteen months after purchasing it in October 2009. The move appears to be related to a breakdown in negotiations with the town of Loveland, Colorado which had provided the company’s previous owners with $900,000 in incentives to move operations there…and had renegotiated a $500,000 deal with new owner Russound. [Read more…] about Russound Pulls the Plug on Colorado vNet
Electronics Manufacturer ATI to Acquire B&K Components from Bank
SpecialALERT
B&K Components, Ltd., a small privately owned company founded in 1981 in Buffalo, NY, had carved out a niche for itself as a provider of a fairly wide range of stereo, home theater, and multizone audio components. But apparently B&K Components has also become the latest victim of a continuing industry contraction as sources tell the ALERT that, barring any unforseen last-minute glitches, Amplifier Technologies, Inc. (ATI) will acquire B&K soon…perhaps as early as by the end of this week. [Read more…] about Electronics Manufacturer ATI to Acquire B&K Components from Bank
Russound Hopes to Beat the Odds with Acquisition of Colorado vNet; But Some Question Deal
<October 7, 2009>Newmarket, RI-based Russound announced this past Monday that it had signed a letter of intent to purchase recently shuttered Colorado vNet in a deal for which terms were not disclosed and that is expected to close by the end of October. The deal was a surprise to many in the industry as Colorado vNet recently announced the collapse of discussions with multiple potential suitors causing the company to cease operations, lay off staff, and close their doors in late September. [Read more…] about Russound Hopes to Beat the Odds with Acquisition of Colorado vNet; But Some Question Deal
