Audio/video products maker Russound has acquired IntelliNet Controls, a developer of high-performance audio and advanced energy control systems for the residential and commercial contracting markets.
“We are very excited to have secured an established brand with great technology like IntelliNet. The marriage of the two brands, along with the complementary strengths of both companies, makes this a winning combination for the marketplace,” states Maureen Baldwin, Russound president and CEO. “IntelliNet, though, will be positioned independently from Russound, especially in terms of our marketing. We are committed to maintaining and building upon IntelliNet’s select distribution to custom retailers and systems integrators.”
As a result of the acquisition, IntelliNet will close its Naples, Fla., facility and all functions will be handled by Russound at its Newmarket, N.H., headquarters. Its engineering and product development personnel will be retained by Russound to ensure technical continuity. While additional Intellinet personnel are being used for a seamless transition. The current line of IntelliNet products will continue to be available and supported while plans are already underway for new company products later in 2002.
Russound will continue to market and support IntelliNet products to qualified custom retailers as well as residential and commercial systems contractors. Its products will be available only through authorized IntelliNet dealers and systems integrators but will not be offered through distributors, mail order or via the Internet.
In other related news, Sergio Batista has been appointed by Russound as director of market and product planning. This is a newly created position to further expand the company’s growth in A/V connectivity products, as Batista will manage all of the product and market planning for both Russound and IntelliNet brands.