Norwest Productions announces the acquisition of Oceania Audio and McLean Audio Services.
Norwest Productions, Australia's largest professional audio service provider, has announced the completion of the acquisition of the businesses of both Oceania Audio New Zealand and Australia and Melbourne based McLean Audio Services. The acquisitions follow the investment earlier this year by private equity fund Anacacia Capital Pty Limited in Norwest Productions Pty Limited. The Anacacia team were heavily involved in all elements of the Due Diligence and acquisition process.
Norwest Productions CEO Chris Kennedy said the acquisitions would further enhance Norwest's operations providing it with extensive coverage of Australasia and Asia. With these acquisitions Norwest now has offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington, Beijing and Shanghai. Both Oceania and McLean have inventory that is highly compatible and complementary to the Norwest inventory and have excellent and highly regarded staff all of whom are continuing with the newly formed group.
Oceania Audio is New Zealand's largest and most respected production services company. Its operational divisions include audio, lighting, sales and installations and mobile staging. It will continue to trade as Oceania with its new parent entity being Norwest Oceania Limited. Otherwise it will operate precisely as before providing the highest standards of service to its many clients. Founders Greg Peacocke and Paul Jeffery are continuing with the company and are becoming shareholders together with other senior managers in the combined Norwest Productions business.
Oceania's Greg Peacocke said "After 35 years of fun and financial hardship I finally called my old friend Chris at Norwest re "easy money" for the more mature Audio gent. Chris sang the praises of his recent Norwest-Anacacia marriage and I knew from that phone call onwards, resistance would be futile. Today it is a reality - Norwest-Oceania both in Australia and New Zealand and I can only see a better future for all Oceania Clients and Staff on both sides of the Tasman. The epitome of the win-win Deal for all concerned...."
Norwest Productions CEO Chris Kennedy said "It is wonderful to have the opportunity to work with a company with whom we have had a great relationship for twenty years and for whom we have the highest regard. Pooling the two companies' knowledge, contacts, systems, equipment and personnel will result in a great and exciting future with very positive benefits for the company and its many clients".
Oceania also has an Australian operation based in Melbourne which will be combined with Norwest's existing Melbourne operation. This in turn will be combined with McLean Audio. Norwest Melbourne General Manager Paul Bailey will head up the operations with Oceania's Peter Lumley and Mike Smeaton as well as McLean Audio Services Richard Bilinski and Michael Wickow working alongside Paul.
Norwest Productions will ensure continuation of all McLean Audio Services customer relationships by maintaining the existing staff, equipment and service standards. "The McLean Audio brand is strong in Melbourne," said Chris Kennedy. "The transition for customers will be seamless with the same equipment and staff being available to service the many loyal McLean customers."
Richard Bilinski, Managing Director of McLean Audio Services said "Our combined teams will create exciting growth opportunities for Norwest Productions, McLean Audio Services, our customers and our employees. We look forward to working with the Norwest Productions team to ensure a rapid and seamless transition."
For further information please contact:
Christopher Kennedy +612 9737 8522 +61408 488 477 chris@norwestproductions.com
www.norwestproductions.com
www.oceania-audio.co.nz
www.mcleanaudio.com.au
