On Thursday, Premium Audio Company (PAC), a division of Voxx, which itself is now part of Gentex Corp., today formally acknowledged what has long been rumored: that it has lost its licensing deal with Pioneer Corporation for the rights to the Pioneer and Elite brands. The announcement portrays the decision as a “mutual” one that concludes “a successful multi-year collaboration.”
See more on PAC losing access to Pioneer & Elite brands
The announcement by Premium Audio Company contains no participation by anyone or entity associated with Pioneer and is written fully on behalf of PAC itself. The release provides no explanation as to why this “mutual” decision was made.
According to the announcement, the conclusion of this collaboration applies only to Pioneer brand products produced and sold by PAC. It does not, for example, apply to any other Pioneer-branded products such as automotive, television, headphone, wireless audio, professional sound, or other products produced by Pioneer Corporation “…or other Pioneer licensing partners.”
Development Will Continue Under Pioneer Corporation
Interestingly, the PAC announcement notes that, “Development of Pioneer and Pioneer Elite home audio and home theater products will continue under the direction of Pioneer Corporation.” Perhaps Pioneer has selected another licensee? I have found no announcement from Pioneer saying this.
Consumers who have purchased Pioneer-branded audio and home theater products from PAC need not fear the end of this partnership. PAC has committed to continue to provide service and support “for all Pioneer and Pioneer Elite products it has produced and sold during the partnership.”
COO Says Its a Mutual Decision, But No Explanation for Why PAC Wanted to Drop Them
We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Pioneer and appreciate the collaboration we’ve had. After thoughtful discussions, we have mutually agreed to part ways and are now focused on the exciting next chapter of growing our core brands. Our commitment to delivering exceptional audio solutions and supporting our customers remains unwavering.
Vincent Bonacorsi, Premium Audio Company COO
This situation leaves PAC with only three major brands: Onkyo, Integra, and Klipsch. The company also claims two secondary brands, Heco and Magnat. In the case of Onkyo, Integra, and Klipsch, none of these are licensing arrangements; PAC owns each of these brands lock, stock, and barrel.
A Focus on Strengthening Core Brand Portfolio
PAC concluded its statement by saying that moving forward, it will “focus on strengthening and expanding its core brand portfolio.” It is not yet known if Gentex, PACs parent company, has any plans to acquire more audio brands.
You can see the current Pioneer products that PAC is responsible for at pioneerhomeusa.com.
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