Naim Audio

{{Short description|British hi-fi manufacturer}} {{Use British English|date=January 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox company | name = Naim Audio Limited | logo = Naim Audio Logo Black.jpg | type = Private Limited Company | industry = High-end audio manufacture | founded = 4 June 1973<ref name="20130606whfnaim40years" /> | founder = Julian Vereker | hq_location = Salisbury, England, United Kingdom | key_people = Cedric Magnaud (site director) | products = Digital music systems, amplifiers, CD players and loudspeakers | revenue = £41.8 million (in 2022)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.globaldatabase.com/company/naim-audio-limited |title=Naim Audio Limited Financials |website=Global Database |access-date=31 October 2024}}</ref> | owner = Vervent Audio Group | footnotes = | website = {{Official URL}} }} '''Naim Audio''' is a British hi-fi manufacturer based in Wiltshire, United Kingdom.

The company was founded in 1973. Following a 2011 merger with French loudspeaker manufacturer Focal, Naim is owned by VerVent Audio Group.

==History== Naim began when Julian Vereker started '''Naim Audio Visual''' in 1969 and created a sound-to-light box that he hired out to film production companies. He designed his own power amplifier. The company '''Naim Audio''' was incorporated in 1973.<ref name=20130606whfnaim40years/><ref name=naimthattune>Price, David "[https://web.archive.org/web/20101123105439/http://hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/featureshtml/naimhistory.html Naim That Tume]". ''Hi-Fi World Magazine''. Archived from [http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/featureshtml/naimhistory.html the original] on 23 November 2010</ref> The convention at the time – dating back to audio pioneer Edgar Villchur – It was believed that the loudspeakers determined the sound of a hi-fi system, and amplifiers were simply a means to drive the speakers.<ref name=20130606whfnaim40years/>

=== Amplifiers === {{Main|Naim Audio amplification}} The first product Naim put on the market was the NAP160 power amplifier; it was followed by the NAC12 pre-amplifier.<ref name=20130606whfnaim40years>Everard, Andrew (6 June 2013). "[http://www.whathifi.com/blog/a-famous-naim-for-40-years A famous Naim for 40 years]". ''What Hi-fi?''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130730161410/http://www.whathifi.com/blog/a-famous-naim-for-40-years Archived] from the original on 20 July 2013.</ref> The two-channel NAP 250 amplifier, launched in 1975, is perhaps Naim Audio's most well-known analogue product, as its basic circuit layout was shared by all the company's power amplifiers until the introduction of the NAP500 in 2000. The Naim NAIT, its first integrated amplifier, is "one of the most controversial and famous integrated amps in the history of HiFi".<ref name=2003TNT/>

In 2024, Naim introduced new products specifically designed for the Integration market: CI-NAP 108, CI-NAP 101, and CI-Uniti 102. These products include power amplifiers and streaming amplifiers, which are designed to complement Focal loudspeakers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naim Launches Uniti Nova PE & New CI Series at ISE 2024 |url=https://www.stereonet.com/sg/news/naim-launches-uniti-nova-pe-new-ci-series-at-ise-2024 |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=StereoNET Asia |language=en}}</ref> In October of the same year, Naim engineers developed custom electronics for the DIVA UTOPIA, Focal's first active, wireless, and connected speaker.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-03 |title=Focal $40K DIVA UTOPIA Active Streaming Wireless Speakers for 21st Century Audiophile |url=https://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/focal-diva-utopia |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Audioholics Home Theater, HDTV, Receivers, Speakers, Blu-ray Reviews and News |language=en}}</ref> The electronics feature class AB amplification, delivering 400 watts of power, and a new Naim Pulse Platform active module for high-resolution music streaming.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Micallef |first=Ken |title=Focal and Naim Debut Diva Utopia: A Fully Active, Wireless, High-End Loudspeaker Lands in the US |url=https://www.stereophile.com/content/focal-and-naim-debut-diva-utopia-fully-active-wireless-loudspeaker-lands-us |website=Stereophile}}</ref>

=== R&D === In 1983, Guy Lamotte was hired as a designer. He completed the development of the NA T01 and NAT101 FM tuners and piloted the development of the Hi-Cap power supply and the −5 modifications to the company's pre-amplification (NAC42 and 32), the NAXO active crossover and the ARO uni-pivot tonearm (developed jointly with David Beck). Lamotte privately worked on a prototype electrostatic speaker design. It was brought into the Naim fold in 1987, after the Linn/Naim partnership ended.<ref name=20130606whfnaim40years/><ref name=FL1/> Roy George, who joined in 1985 and was appointed Technical Director of Naim in 2000, is credited with designing many of Naim's products.<ref name=2012gramophone>Everard, Andrew (19 April 2012). "[http://www.gramophone.co.uk/editorial/naim-superuniti-moving-all-in-one-hi-fi-forward Naim SuperUniti: moving all-in-one hi-fi forward]". ''Gramophone''. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728060950/http://www.gramophone.co.uk/editorial/naim-superuniti-moving-all-in-one-hi-fi-forward |date=28 July 2013 }}</ref>

In 2019, the parent company Vervent Audio Group expected to invest more than 8% of its sales revenue in research and development.<ref name="stereo-mag-2019">[https://stereo-magazine.com/article/change-of-ownership-at-focal-naim Stereo Magazine, 11 November 2019: Change of ownership at Focal-Naim]</ref>

=== Following === The company, and its products such as the NAIT, NAC52 pre-amplifier, the ARO uni-pivot tonearm and the SBL (Separate Box Loudspeaker) have assumed cult status among devotees.<ref>"[http://archive.classicrockmagazine.com/view/christmas-2004/96/naim-cd5i-825-a-legendary-british-brand-and-a-supe NAIM CD5I]". ''Classic Rock'', pg 96, Christmas 2004{{Dead link|date=May 2023}}</ref><ref>Harrison, Andrew (12 May 2011). "[http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/audio/3279461/naim-audio-unitiqute-review/ Naim Audio UnitiQute review]". ''PC Advisor'' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301154638/http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/audio/3279461/naim-audio-unitiqute-review/ |date=1 March 2013 }}</ref>

=== After Vereker === The company was headed by Vereker until his death in 2000, when Paul Stephenson, then Sales Director, became Managing Director<ref name="quaschik" /> until 2015. The company saw turnover increase from £6m to £20m and began digital streaming. Former R&D Director Trevor Wilson was managing director from 2015 to 2018.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}} The business was then led by Charlie Henderson as managing director between 2018 and 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-26 |title=Charlie Hendersen Leaves Naim Audio |url=https://www.hifipig.com/charlie-hendersen-leaves-naim-audio/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Hifi Pig}}</ref> and by 2021 turnover had increased to £39{{Nbsp}}million, yielding profit before tax of nearly £5{{Nbsp}}million.<ref name="report21">{{Cite web |date=31 December 2021 |title=Naim Audio Limited: Annual Report |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01116428 |access-date=5 October 2022 |website=Companies House |pages=5, 12}}</ref>

In 2022, Cedric Magnaud took over as the site director, and the brand's turnover reached 41.8 million pounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NAIM AUDIO LIMITED company key information - UK.GlobalDatabase.com |url=https://uk.globaldatabase.com/company/naim-audio-limited |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=uk.globaldatabase.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Design characteristics== Internally, the Naim design approach can be seen by their use of materials –– the semiconductors, heavy toroidal transformers, their attention to earthing, screening and isolation from electronic and mechanical interference,<ref>Martens, Chris (15 June 2013). "[http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/meet-your-maker-hi-fi-visits-naim-audio/ Meet Your Maker: Hi-Fi+ Visits Naim Audio]". ''Hi-Fi+''. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113034327/http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/meet-your-maker-hi-fi-visits-naim-audio/ |date=13 November 2013 }}</ref> through to their preference for XLR connector, DIN connector and the BNC connector for phono (as opposed to the RCA connector used by almost all other manufacturers).<ref name="20130606whfnaim40years" /><ref name="2003TNT">Cadeddu, Lucio ( March 2003). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20111210091952/http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/nait_e.html Naim Nait 1 - A living legend (1983–1987)]". TNT Italy. Archived from [http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/nait_e.html the original] on 13 January 2012.</ref><ref name="pwrsupp">{{Cite web |title=Modifying and building audio power supplies |url=http://www.acoustica.org.uk/t/naim/powersupplies.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=www.acoustica.org.uk}}</ref>thumb|Naim design 1990 to 1999 Until 1989, the company's electronics could be identified by their heavy black aluminium casing. Since their replacement by the 'olive' range, the earlier vintages are known as 'chrome bumper' models.<ref name=quaschik/> Electrically, the amplifiers are matched and designed to be used together. Naim warns against experimentation with other manufacturers' components,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Product Manuals {{!}} Naim Audio |url=https://www.naimaudio.com/downloads/manuals |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=www.naimaudio.com}}</ref> particularly in the case for some "high-end" loudspeaker cables, whose L/C characteristics were said by Naim to present unstable loads to the high-current devices used in Naim power amplifiers.<ref name=2003TNT/>

As with other brands such as Arcam and Cyrus, the company's instruction manuals state that "better and more consistent performance will be achieved if the system is left switched on for long periods."<ref name=manuals>{{cite web |url=http://www.naimaudio.com/support/manuals |title = Product Manuals |website=Naim Audio}}</ref> Reviewers have remarked on equipment sounding significantly better several weeks after being left switched on.<ref name=200911hfjournal>"[http://www.thehifijournal.com/index.php?c=equipment_reviews_details&id=34 Naim Nait 5i]". ''The Hi-fi Journal'', November 2009. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163741/http://www.thehifijournal.com/index.php?c=equipment_reviews_details&id=34 Archived] from the original on 15 July 2013.</ref><ref name=20080130stereophile>Dudley, Art (30 January 2008). "[http://www.stereophile.com/content/naim-supernait-integrated-amplifier Naim Supernait integrated amplifier", pg1]; [http://www.stereophile.com/content/naim-supernait-integrated-amplifier-page-2 pg2]. ''Stereophile''. [http://www.stereophile.com/content/naim-supernait-integrated-amplifier Pg1], [https://web.archive.org/web/20130524105201/http://www.stereophile.com/content/naim-supernait-integrated-amplifier-page-2 pg2] archived from the original on 30 July 2013.</ref><ref name=20040722thestar>Loh, Joseph (22 July 2004). "[http://sites.thestar.com.my/audio/story.asp?file=/2004/7/22/audiofile/22naim To Naim a tune]". ''The Star'' (Malaysia). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154639/http://sites.thestar.com.my/audio/story.asp?file=/2004/7/22/audiofile/22naim Archived] from the original on 15 July 2013.</ref><ref name="NAC202whathf">{{Cite web |author1=What Hi-Fi? |date=2003-09-13 |title=Home review |url=https://www.whathifi.com/naim/nac-202/review |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=whathifi |language=en}}</ref>

===Digital audio=== thumb|Naim ''CD 5'' Throughout much of the 1980s, Naim maintained the position that the Compact Disc was an inferior medium compared to the vinyl gramophone record. This perspective guided Naim's product design during that period.<ref name=20130606whfnaim40years/> The announcement in 1989 that the company was working on a CD player shocked the marketplace.<ref name=naimthattune/> The player, called the CDS, was unusual for a two-box device in that Naim put the digital–analogue converter in the same box as the transport and audio circuitry, whilst keeping the power supply separate.<ref name=20130606whfnaim40years/> The player saw two major revisions, the CDS2 (1998) and CDS3 (2002).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2014-08-08 |title=Product history |url=https://www.naimaudio.com/product-history |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Naim Audio |language=en}}</ref> Naim also made several less expensive single-box players such as the CD 5 XS (2009).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-02 |title=Naim CD5 XS CD player |url=https://www.stereophile.com/content/naim-cd5-xs-cd-player |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Stereophile.com |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, only the CD5si (introduced in 2012) continues to be made.<ref name=":0" />

Naim's Uniti range, introduced in 2009,<ref name=":0" /> provides access to various digital streaming sources and services; these products contain power amplifiers and are connected to external speakers. The Uniti Atom received the EISA award for Best All in One System, 2018–19.<ref>{{cite web |date=2018 |title=Naim Audio Uniti Atom {{!}} EISA – Expert Imaging and Sound Association |url=https://www.eisa.eu/awards/naim-audio-uniti-atom/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195506/https://www.eisa.eu/awards/naim-audio-uniti-atom/ |archive-date=2018-09-06 |website=www.eisa.eu}}</ref> The Mu-so range, introduced in 2014, has internal Focal speaker drivers.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2019-06-19 |title=Naim Mu-so 2 review |url=https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/naim-mu-so-2 |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=What Hi-Fi? |language=en}}</ref>

The brand upgraded its Mu-so all-in-one speaker range with the unveiling of 'second generation' models in 2019: Mu-so 2nd Generation<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muller |first=Sasha |date=2019-07-04 |title=Naim Mu-so 2 review: The 2nd Generation Mu-so is an all-in-one audiophile dream |url=https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/technology/headphones-audio/naim-mu-so-2nd-generation-review |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Expert Reviews |language=en-GB}}</ref> and Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-10-12 |title=Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation review |url=https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/naim-mu-so-qb-2nd-generation |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=whathifi |language=en}}</ref> the compact version. In January 2024, the Uniti all-in-one player range was enhanced with the Uniti Nova Power Edition model.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Verity Burns |date=2024-01-30 |title=Naim Uniti Nova PE is brand's most powerful streaming player yet |url=https://www.whathifi.com/news/naim-uniti-nova-pe-is-brands-most-powerful-streaming-player-yet |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=whathifi |language=en}}</ref>

In 2023, Naim introduced an updated line of separate components called New Classic (200 and 300 Series), which includes an amplifier, preamplifier, and streamer/DAC. These devices can be combined to create an audiophile-quality audio system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fourcadier |first=Guillaume |date=2023-06-06 |title=Naim 300 Series : les électroniques audiophiles New Classic Series montent en gamme |url=https://www.on-mag.fr/index.php/topaudio/actualites-news/25108-300-series-naim-etoffe-son-ambitieuse-gamme-new-classic-series |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=ON-mag.fr |language=fr-fr}}</ref>

==Partnerships== [[File:Nait1 JV.jpg|thumb|Page of Naim Audio company calendar, February 1986, with image of founder Julian Vereker in a parody of a Mr Kipling advertising slogan]] During much of the 1970s and 80s, Naim adopted a symbiotic relationship with Linn Products, and their names were often mentioned together.

The two companies had almost the same sales and marketing strategy, and shared many of the same retailers/dealers. Vereker, the company's founder, was active in marketing and promotion, and appeared in the company's advertising. The company's shift to selling products through comparative demonstrations in a single-speaker environment represented a departure from marketing in chain electronics stores in favour of small independent retailers [in the United Kingdom].

The two companies diverged during the 1980s. This was partly due to the convergence of technology, but also because Naim had significantly fewer dealers than Linn. This presented problems for Linn dealers trying to sell Linn speakers, that were specifically designed to work with Naim amplification. Both Naim and Linn began broadening their product ranges and started encroaching on each other's areas of expertise: in 1985, Linn launched its LK1/LK2 amplification combination, signalling the definitive end of the partnership. Naim began making loudspeakers and Linn expanded its range of electronic components. In 1987, Naim announced that chief designer Guy Lamotte had been working on a prototype electrostatic speaker design, and that a product launch was imminent. However, the product was never brought to fruition as it was cancelled due to escalating costs.<ref name=FL1>Christian Steingruber (October 2000). "[http://membres.multimania.fr/jadai/GL/GL.htm History of the Naim Audio FL1]". ''Hi-fi Answers'' (via personal website){{Dead link|date=May 2023}}</ref> In 1995, Naim announced the launch of the Armageddon power supply for the LP12.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stereophile.com/tonearms/770/index.html |title=Naim ARO tonearm & Armageddon turntable power supply |author=Wes Phillips |work=stereophile.com |date=1996-02-09 |access-date=2022-09-11}}</ref>

In 2008, Naim partnered with car manufacturer Bentley in the "Naim for Bentley" project, an optional upgrade in-car sound system.<ref name=20130606whfnaim40years/> Naim produced the audio systems for several of the manufacturer's models, including: Bentley Flying Spurs (2020),<ref>{{Cite web |author1=What Hi-Fi? |date=2021-03-24 |title=Naim for Bentley premium audio system (2020 Bentley Flying Spur) review |url=https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/naim-for-bentley-premium-audio-system-2021-bentley-flying-spur |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=whathifi |language=en}}</ref> Bentley Continental GT<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marriage |first=Ollie |title=Bentley Continental GT - long-term review |url=https://www.topgear.com/long-term-car-reviews/bentley/continental-gt/60-w12-2dr-auto/report-6 |website=Top Gear |date=13 February 2020 }}</ref> and Bentley Bentayga.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Minasians |first=Christopher |date=2022-02-16 |title=Bentley Bentayga audio review: Naim Audio system upgrade? |url=https://totallyev.net/bentley-bentayga-audio-review-naim-audio-system-upgrade/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=TotallyEV |language=en-GB}}</ref> To celebrate their exceptional partnership, in 2020, Naim and Focal introduced special edition products for Bentley Motors: the Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition all-in-one system and the Focal for Bentley Radiance<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lerma |first=Martin |date=2020-09-15 |title=Bentley Partners With Naim and Focal for New Premium Speakers and Headphones |url=https://robbreport.com/gear/audio/bentley-naim-and-focal-hi-fi-audio-equipment-1234569276/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Robb Report |language=en-US}}</ref> hi-fi headphones. In the same year, Naim developed an audio system for the Battista hypercar by Automobili Pininfarina.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rai |first=Kulwinder Singh |date=2020-07-28 |title=Pininfarina Battista all-electric hypercar boasts bespoke Naim Audio system |url=https://theluxereview.com/2020/07/28/pininfarina-battista-electric-hypercar-boasts-naim-audio-system/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=The Luxe Review |language=en}}</ref>

In 2023, Naim designed a top-of-the-range system for the Bentley's Mulliner division. The Batur, the most powerful car ever built by Bentley, was equipped with a Naim audio system comprising 20 loudspeakers manufactured by Focal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bentley Batur features new, 20-speaker audio system that costs £25,000 |url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/684634/bentley-batur-naim-mulliner-audio-system/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Motor1.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>

Naim's expertise has been sought after by car manufacturers and also in the world of yachts. In 2017, the brand collaborated with Princess Yachts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-12-13 |title=Princess Yachts chooses Naim as partner for audio solutions {{!}} DriveMag Boats |url=https://boats.drivemag.com/news/princess-yachts-chooses-naim-as-partner-for-audio-solutions/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2010, Naim employed 140 staff, with products exported to at least 40 countries and half of its £15 million turnover coming from export. One-third of the business was from CD players.<ref name="quaschik" /> In 2011<ref name="Q&A" /> and again in 2017,<ref name="report" /> around 60 percent of sales went to export markets.

By 2016, the number of employees had increased to 170*, and later surpassed 200.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Andy Clough |date=2017-04-04 |title=Home |url=https://www.whathifi.com/features/focal-and-naim-french-anglo-alliance-thats-paying-dividends |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=whathifi |language=en}}</ref>

== Ownership == At the time of his death, Julian Vereker held half of the share capital of the company. The other half was owned by employees, including Paul Stephenson who owned 20 percent. Vereker bequeathed his shares to be held in a trust of which Stephenson is trustee.<ref name=quaschik>Quaschik, Hartmut (26 August 2010). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20111225104851/http://www.tnt-audio.com/intervis/naiminterview_e.html Interview with Paul Stephenson of Naim Audio UK :Once Cult – Now Facing The Future]". TNT Germany. Archived from [http://www.tnt-audio.com/intervis/naiminterview_e.html the original] on 13 January 2012.</ref>

=== 2011: Focal & Co === In August 2011, Naim and Focal-JMLab announced a merger of both companies. Focal & Co., the new entity to be formed to own the existing operations, would employ 325 people in total at two sites, in Saint Etienne, France, and Salisbury, UK. Pro-forma annual turnover of the new company was £48 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.focal.com/en/home-audio-loudspeakers/focal-jmlab/focal-and-naim.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922124647/http://www.focal.com/en/home-audio-loudspeakers/focal-jmlab/focal-and-naim.php |archive-date=22 September 2011 |title=Focal and Naim, a Shared Passion for Perfect Sound}}</ref><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20111219032922/http://www.naimaudio.com/news/article/3395 Passionate about sound, Focal & Naim unite]". Naim Audio. August 2011 [http://www.naimaudio.com/news/article/3395 the original] on 13 January 2012</ref> The Naim and Focal brands would continue to operate independently, while collaborating on R&D.<ref name="Q&A">Newsome, Clare (19 August 2011). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20121105121652/http://www.whathifi.com/blog/qa-naim-audio-and-focal-merger Q&A – Naim Audio and Focal merger]". ''What Hi-Fi?''. Archived from [http://www.whathifi.com/blog/qa-naim-audio-and-focal-merger the original] on 13 January 2012.</ref>

The shareholders of Focal & Co are those that respectively owned the company prior to the merger (namely Jacques Mahul, CM-CIC and the management of Focal-JMLab and Naim), suggesting the merger being executed by an exchange of shares for shares in the holding company. No ownership statistics and no valuation were mentioned.<ref name=Q&A/>

=== 2014: Vervent Audio Group === In May 2014, French investors Naxicap Partners and French private equity firm Aquasourca announced they had acquired a majority stake in the Focal & Co group, which was renamed to Vervent Audio Group.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sircom |first=Alan |date=8 May 2014 |title=Audio's transfer window |url=http://hifiplus.com/articles/audios-transfer-window/ |access-date=2019-07-20 |website=Hi-Fi+}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vervent-audio-group.com/en/index.html|title=Vervent Audio Group|website=vervent-audio-group.com|access-date=2019-07-20}}</ref>

In August 2017, Focal.JMLab UK Limited, the distributor of Focal speakers in the UK, was merged into Naim Audio Limited.<ref name=report>{{cite web |title=Naim Audio Limited: Annual Report and Financial Statements, 2017 |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/01116428/filing-history/MzIxMzIzOTgzM2FkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0 |website=Companies House |access-date=20 July 2019 |date=August 2018}}</ref> In late 2019, Alpha Private Equity became the majority shareholder of Vervent,<ref name="stereo-mag-2019" /> chaired by Cédrick Boutonet, who was appointed CEO. The subsidiaries Focal Naim America and Focal Naim Canada<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editors |first=CE Pro |date=2019-02-14 |title=Focal, Naim Parent Company Acquires Audio Plus Services & Plurison |url=https://www.cepro.com/news/vervent_audio_group_creates_focal_naim_america_and_focal_naim_canada/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=CEPRO |language=en-US}}</ref> were also created. Naim Audio Limited continues to operate as a British company and as a subsidiary of Vervent.<ref name="report21"/> That same year, the rollout of a global network of 'Focal Powered by Naim' stores was launched, with the first openings in Seoul (South Korea) and Lyon (France). This was followed by the United States,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Focal powered by Naim Store: The Future of High-End Dealerships? |url=https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-focal-powered-by-naim-store-the-future-of-high-end-dealerships/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=The Absolute Sound |language=en-US}}</ref> England, Canada, and many others.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glowacki |first=Jeremy |date=2023-07-18 |title=Focal Powered by Naim Spaces Now in More Than 40 Different Stores |url=https://restechtoday.com/focal-powered-by-naim-spaces-now-in-more-than-40-different-stores/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Residential Tech Today |language=en-US}}</ref> These stores, shop-in-shops, and dedicated corners for the Focal and Naim brands offer customers a brand experience.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-26 |title=AV Quick Takes: Focal And Naim Continue Their Quest For World Domination |url=https://www.audioholics.com/news/focal-and-naim |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Audioholics Home Theater, HDTV, Receivers, Speakers, Blu-ray Reviews and News |language=en}}</ref> The FPBN network includes more than 50 locations, spanning North America, Asia, and Europe.

In 2022, the turnover of the Vervent Audio group amounted to 156 million euros.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=Cédrick Boutonet, Focal : "Une trajectoire liée à une vision du marché" |url=https://mesinfos.fr/42350-la-talaudiere/cedrick-boutonet-focal-une-trajectoire-liee-a-une-vision-du-marche-183661.html |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=mesinfos |language=FR}}</ref>

==Record label== {{Main|Naim Records}} Formed in 1993, Naim Records is the label arm of Naim Audio.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naim - CTA-HIFI |url=https://www.cta-hifi.com/content/76-naim?srsltid=AfmBOoqXLrQw_6tHyuyvLpkVE2t5oQHtNa1otfP9Bbq-OMLvbuU1rkVj |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=www.cta-hifi.com}}</ref> The label was established by Julian Vereker, the founder of Naim, to release music with a focus on high quality recording and songwriting.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naim Records {{!}} Naim Audio |url=https://www.naimaudio.com/naim-records |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=www.naimaudio.com |language=en}}</ref> The Naim Records catalogue is diverse, ranging from Sons of Kemet and Yazz Ahmed to Charlie Haden and Kurt Elling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naim |title=Home |url=https://naim.bleepstores.com/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Naim}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist|33em}}

==External links== * {{Official website}}

Category:Naim Audio