Beale Street Audio, US-based in-ceiling and in-wall speaker manufacturer and developer of Sonic Vortex technology, has acquired Netherlands-based distributor BMB Electronics. The unusual move will prime Beale Street Audio for immediate international expansion and invigorate the 25-year-old BMB Electronics with fresh capital and new dealer resources.
The acquisition is part of an international growth strategy that Beale says will integrate well with its new China warehouse to form a global presence; it will also build on a new international distribution partnership with remote control manufacturer URC. BMB will serve as the central European hub for all Beale Street Audio product lines.
As part of the deal, Beale Street Audio takes over some of the existing product lines and a 4,500sqm facility that warehouse space, office space, a completely wired training facility, demo rooms, showroom and other dealer resources. BMB will serve as the main Beale Street Audio distribution centre for territories including Europe into the Middle East and Africa. Beale has additional distribution deals in place to cover Australia, China, India, and New Zealand, which will be serviced directly out of Hong Kong.
“With BMB as our European base, we can more efficiently and effectively support international clients with faster shipping times, easier access to products, dealer trainings and sales support,” said Jim Murray, managing director, Beale Street Audio. “By controlling the distribution hub, we can also run leaner and build a closer connection with customers because we own the business, the building and the relationships. One of the aims is to increase service level for our customers. In a time where competition is huge and technology is changing, we think we should offer our customers more attentive service to make their lives easier.”
Beale Street Audio will retain all current BMB employees and continue to support partnerships with existing lines, including Amina, ebode, Terra and URC. Beale will also seek growth through partnerships with other brands that are complimentary to the existing product lines and would seek a foothold in Europe.
Murray continued: “Our goal is not to just sell products and increase the efficiency of our supply chain. We want to be a true partner that helps dealers build stronger, better businesses, so a lot of effort is going into improving online resources and creating as strong a portfolio as possible.”
Initial Beale Xpress products offered through BMB Electronics include 4in, 6.5in and 8in in-ceiling speaker models, 4in and 6.5in in-wall speaker models, angled in-ceiling and dual voice coil models, 6.5in and 8in in-ceiling subwoofers, and 70/100V in-ceiling speakers for commercial applications, all powered by Sonic Vortex. The Beale Xpress line will also grow to include single room and multi-room amplifiers, subwoofer amplifiers, IR products including kits, EZBrackets, accessories and more. These products are available either now or within 45 days.
“The acquisition of BMB gives Fulmer Companies (owner of Beale Street Audio) an existing distributor in the home installation industry through which to offer its Beale Street Audio product along with the great product lines that BMB already distributes,” said Arthur Fulmer, chairman of the board for Fulmer Companies. “The warehouse and staff in Veen are an excellent platform on which to build European distribution for Beale Street Audio. For BMB, the new ownership enables the company to enhance its successful distribution business with an innovative, new speaker line. The BMB customers will continue to enjoy the consistent, reliable service, knowledge and products that they’ve come to expect from BMB for many years enhanced with Beale Street Audio in the warehouse.”
