In a transfer that underscores its aggressive enlargement technique and long-term dedication to professional audio excellence, The Freedman Group, mum or dad firm of RØDE, has acquired Lectrosonics, a U.S.-based pioneer in high-end wi-fi audio methods. The acquisition, introduced as we speak, marks a major milestone for the Australian conglomerate and has trade observers paying shut consideration.Based in 1971, Lectrosonics has lengthy been considered the gold normal for UHF wi-fi methods utilized in movie, broadcast, and theatre functions. The corporate’s Digital Hybrid Wi-fi know-how, which earned an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement in 2017, stays a staple on top-tier productions throughout the globe.The “RØDE Lectrosonics acquisition” consists of Lectrosonics’ total model and IP portfolio, its manufacturing unit and 27,000 sqm of land in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and all related tools. Importantly, Lectrosonics will proceed to function independently with its administration crew intact, making certain continuity and preserving buyer relationships.“They’re no doubt the world’s chief in wi-fi communication for the leisure and broadcast markets,” stated Peter Freedman AM, Founder and Chairman of The Freedman Group. “Having the ability to now provide our clients the best sounding wi-fi know-how on this planet is, with out exaggeration, one thing that may be very particular to me.”Wes Herron, President of Lectrosonics, and Peter Freedman AM, Founder and proprietor of the Freedman Group. Picture credit score: Freedman GroupManufacturing enlargement in the united statesSpeaking to Forbes Australia, Freedman revealed {that a} main driver behind the acquisition was the chance to ascertain U.S.-based manufacturing, which is not going to solely serve Lectrosonics but additionally assist the manufacturing of RØDE and Mackie merchandise for the North and South American markets. Freedman said he plans to shift ultimate meeting of RØDE gear to New Mexico “inside 90 days,” leveraging the newly acquired manufacturing unit to beat potential tariff hurdles and improve pace to market.“It’s a double whammy,” stated Freedman. “We find yourself with an organization that’s been on the highest finish in that space for the reason that Nineteen Seventies, however the very best half is it permits us now to have quick U.S. manufacturing for all the things we would like.”The transfer is a component of a bigger world technique to diversify manufacturing and improve self-sufficiency. Freedman emphasised that Australian manufacturing will proceed and even ship sub-assemblies to the U.S. for completion, serving to qualify the merchandise as U.S.-made beneath commerce guidelines.Forbes Australia’s interview with Peter Freedman in regards to the acquisition. Supply: Forbes Australia YouTube channelA tradition shift—with a down-under twistIn addition to operational integration, Freedman promised all Lectrosonics workers a pay rise, together with the introduction of “Australian working circumstances”, together with employees occasions, reside music, and what he described as a enjoyable however hard-working tradition. He’s already planning to rent 200 extra workers for the Rio Rancho website.“We’re going to stroll in there and all people will get a pay rise for a begin. Then we’re going so as to add Aussie circumstances… a gymnasium, higher amenities. After which I’m going to place an indication out: ‘Wished: 200 individuals’.” – Peter FreedmanThe “RØDE Lectrosonics acquisition”: long-awaited dream realizedFreedman disclosed that he had lengthy admired Lectrosonics, however failed for years to duplicate its proprietary wi-fi know-how. “There’s solely three firms that may do the type of wi-fi that they do. It’s a really intently guarded secret,” he informed Forbes. “I’ve been dreaming of this for 25 years.”“If I might present you the gear, you’d open it and also you’d go, ‘That’s jewelry.’ As an engineer, that is particular stuff.”Consolidation, then IPO?With the Lectrosonics acquisition finalized, Freedman says he intends to pause on additional acquisitions—regardless of having what he calls a “struggle chest”—with the intention to concentrate on integration. Nevertheless, he did trace at ambitions to record The Freedman Group on the ASX inside the subsequent three to 4 years, estimating the group’s valuation at round $2 billion.Strategic match for the futureWes Herron, President of Lectrosonics, known as the acquisition “an thrilling new chapter,” and expressed confidence that the corporate’s legacy and technical excellence would proceed beneath the Freedman umbrella. CEO Damien Wilson added, “Lectrosonics’ journey, in some ways, mirrors our personal. We’ve each constructed reputations on innovation, unbiased manufacturing, and preserve a deep respect for the inventive group.”With its increasing portfolio—together with RØDE, Mackie, Aphex, SoundField, and Occasion Electronics—the Freedman Group is positioning itself as a real world powerhouse in skilled audio. The combination of Lectrosonics might set the stage for transformative advances in wi-fi audio—combining world-class engineering with daring advertising and marketing and world distribution.Just lately, RØDE additionally entered the video switcher enterprise by introducing the RØDECaster Video, which we reviewed right here. RODECaster Video in motion. Picture credit score: Florian Milz/CineDTimeline: key acquisitions and expansions by RØDE / The Freedman GroupIf you have an interest in our earlier reporting on RØDE merchandise, click on right here to get an summary of all of the RØDE-related articles. Under you discover a timeline of the corporate’s enlargement.1967 – Founding of Freedman ElectronicsPeter Freedman’s father, Henry Freedman, establishes Freedman Electronics in Sydney, Australia, targeted on audio tools set up and gross sales.1990 – RØDE Microphones is launchedPeter Freedman revives the enterprise and pivots towards in-house microphone manufacturing, launching the RØDE NT1.1998–2010s – World Enlargement and R&D InvestmentRØDE considerably expands its manufacturing base in Sydney, constructing vertically built-in amenities that embody CNC machining, PCB manufacturing, injection molding, and extra.2010s – New Product CategoriesRØDE enters the on-camera microphone, podcasting, and wi-fi audio markets (e.g., the RØDELink wi-fi system and Wi-fi GO collection), broadening attraction to filmmakers, vloggers, and content material creators.2017 – Acquisition of AphexThe Freedman Group acquires Aphex, a famend US-based developer of audio processing know-how (e.g., Aural Exciter, Massive Backside). This strengthens RØDE’s DSP capabilities and marks its first main US model acquisition.2018 – Acquisition of SoundFieldThe firm acquires SoundField, pioneers in ambisonic microphone know-how, to deepen RØDE’s providing in 3D and immersive audio seize — resulting in merchandise just like the NT-SF1.2020 – Acquisition of Occasion ElectronicsThe Freedman Group acquires Occasion, a legacy model identified for studio displays just like the 20/20BAS. This provides monitoring options to the group’s ecosystem.2022 – Acquisition of MackieFreedman Group provides Mackie, a distinguished US model identified for reside sound mixers, audio system, and recording interfaces. This marks a major enlargement into reside efficiency audio and additional strengthens distribution in North America.Freedman Group’s 2022 acquisition of Mackie. Picture credit score: Freedman Group2023 – Additional funding in Australian manufacturingRØDE opens a brand new multimillion-dollar manufacturing facility in Sydney, increasing its in-house manufacturing and R&D capabilities.Could 2025 – Acquisition of LectrosonicsThe Freedman Group acquires Lectrosonics, the main producer {of professional} wi-fi audio methods utilized in movie, broadcast, and theatre. This marks their most high-end acquisition up to now, firmly anchoring them within the prime tier of wi-fi audio know-how.What’s your tackle RØDE’s – or moderately: Freedman Group’s – fixed enlargement within the audio market? Tell us within the feedback under.