Herter & Co. has acted as Sole Debt Advisor on the refinancing of d&b audiotechnik („d&b“). d&b was acquired in 2016 by funds advised by Ardian from Odewald & Cie and COBEPA and is a company specialised on professional acoustic technology. The original transaction, the repricing and partial refinancing in 2017 and the recapitalization in 2019 were also advised by Herter & Co.
Herter & Co. coordinated the new refinancing via a roll-over of the existing debt and new money provided by new lenders. The company’s strong rebound since the original impact from Covid-19 2 years ago, a very positive outlook and excellent cash flow profile allowed for an extension and refinancing of the business at attractive terms.
„As usual, Herter & Co. led a competitive and efficient process that resulted in attractive terms and a reliable banking syndicate.“ said Stefan Kappis, Director of the Buyout Team at Ardian.
“Herter & Co. has again delivered on the trust we put in them. The independently managed and highly engaged process of Herter & Co. allowed us to keep focusing on our operational activities with a high degree of comfort.” said Jens Nilsson, CFO of d&b Group.
Herter & Co. acted as Sole Debt Adviser to d&b.
d&b audiotechnik, which was founded in 1981 and is based in Backnang, Germany, is one of the world’s leading providers of professional premium audio technology. The company develops and produces high-quality sound systems for mobile and permanently installed applications. With the establishment of d&b solutions, the company is also addressing end-to-end projects for entire audio, video, light and media (AVLM) solutions. The spectrum of activities ranges from audio solutions for large scale events and touring as well as complete installations for venues from large stadiums and concert halls to theatres, opera houses, convention centres and cruise liners. With its systemic approach based on seamless integration of amplifiers, speakers, accessories and interlinked software solutions, combined with dependable worldwide service and an exceptional training and support offering, d&b is uniquely positioned in the marketplace.
Ardian is a world-leading private investment house with assets of US$125bn managed or advised in Europe, the Americas and Asia. The company is majority-owned by its employees. It keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and focuses on delivering excellent investment performance to its global investor base.
Through its commitment to shared outcomes for all stakeholders, Ardian’s activities fuel individual, corporate and economic growth around the world.
Holding close its core values of excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship, Ardian maintains a truly global network, with more than 850 employees working from fifteen offices across Europe (Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Zurich), the Americas (New York, San Francisco and Santiago) and Asia (Beijing, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul). It manages funds on behalf of more than 1,200 clients through five pillars of investment expertise: Fund of Funds, Direct Funds, Infrastructure, Real Estate and Private Debt.
