French Audio-over-IP solutions specialist Digigram has acquired Grenoble-based audio networking solutions company AuviTran.

The company states: ‘This acquisition strengthens Digigram’s position on the audio pro market, and marks the beginning of a development phase towards the market of critical communications. With the completion of this operation, Digigram ambitions to increase its sales and double its revenues within three years.’

Operational changes resulting from the acquisition include the appointment of AuviTran founder Yves Ansade to the position of Global R&D Director, where he will oversee the technical strategy for the new business entity.

‘Both companies will continue to operate their respective brands and clients, however the acquisition definitely strengthens our position on commercial audio, live sound and broadcast markets, as well as addressing the communications market with a large panel of solutions,’ Ansade says. ‘Digigram and AuviTran’s combined R&D departments comprise 40 per cent of the global staff.

Founded in 2003, AuviTran has specialised in the development of audio networking solutions for installation, live sound and public address markets. Engineered in Grenoble and produced in Europe, AuviTran solutions operate at the Sydney Opera, New York Madison Square Garden or Paris Stade de France.

Since 1985, Digigram has been a leading player within the broadcast market with its critical audio solutions, including digital sound cards and audio gateways designed in France. Its top clients include major public and commercial radios and TV operations, as well as blue chip aerospace and public safety companies worldwide.

‘Both companies have addressed the critical communications market through their expertise and presence in live sound and broadcast,’ says Digigram General Manager, Xavier Allanic. ‘Think radio broadcast or alarm systems: as soon as audio transmission is mission-critical, it appeals to our critical audio knowledge.’

This year sees Digigram moving towards the critical communications market: ‘The part of our business that we used to name "industrial" amounts for 35 per cent of turnover,’ says Digigram President, Jérémie Weber. ‘We have rebranded that  share into critical communications as it describes best the real nature of these clients. Acquiring AuviTran is a first step towards growth and a powerful leverage to amplify our presence in that market, as we keep developing high-end audio solutions to address demanding contexts and situations, broadcast or security likewise,’

Based in the French Alps, Digigram currently has offices in France and Singapore, and offers its IP-based audio contribution solutions (IQOYA range) and the ALP-X soundcard range. Since 2003, AuviTran has pushed the limits of audio networking with its smart solutions for live sound, installation and public address.