ISIS buys DiGiCo from Matrix

Sonnie Ehrendal
12 December 2011

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ISIS Equity Partners has acquired digital sound-mixing console manufacturer DiGiCO from Matrix Private Equity Partners.

The £50m secondary buyout sees ISIS take a controlling interest, while Matrix retains an 11% shareholding.

The investment intends to provide continued support to R&D and expansion to new markets.

The deal represents a partial exit for Matrix, which has reaped 4.4x with a return on investment of 36%. Matrix partner Bob Henry attributed DiGiCo's growth to its management team, investment in R&D, and focus on product quality.

Previous funding
Matrix backed a £6.5m MBO of DiGiCo in 2007, investing £4.6m and taking a significant minority stake. The company's turnover has grown from £8m in 2007 to £22m in 2011.

Company
DiGiCo, founded in 1971, develops digital sound-mixing consoles for the live music market, theatres, houses of worship, and corporate users. Exports amount to around 85% of its £22m turnover. Headquartered in Chessington, and with production in Glenrothes, it employs 67 staff.

People
Investment director Denise Emmanuel worked on the deal for ISIS. Partner Bob Henry managed the deal on behalf of Matrix. James Gordon is CEO of DiGiCo.