For the second time in less than a month, the custom integration channel has started the week with a major announcement in the mergers & acquisitions space. This time, it’s not manufacturer news, but an integrator transaction as two of the largest integration companies, World Wide Stereo and Gramophone, have agreed to a “strategic partnership,” per the announcement.
World Wide Stereo is a Philadelphia-area staple and community shop that has engaged in audio, video, and lifestyle technologies for 45 years.
The Montgomeryville, Pa., company was No. 6 in last year’s CE Pro 100 with revenues over $50M.
Gramophone is a Maryland-based designer and installer of custom integration, retail, and high-performance audio/visual solutions.
The Middle Atlantic integrators say this strategic move unites two industry leaders, which will build more innovation and market presence.
United Strength & Commitment to Excellence
As two of the most respected industry veterans, both founded nearly half a century ago, World Wide Stereo and Gramophone have built a consortium that preserves and elevates their traditions of excellence, the companies state.
Under this new organizational structure, Gramophone’s Andrew Davis & Edward Gordon will assume oversight from World Wide Stereo Founder Bob Cole as he retires, though both companies will continue to operate independently, maintaining their unique identities and operational approaches.
This partnership retains current leadership and staff, ensuring a seamless transition for all stakeholders, according to the companies.
Leveraging Combined Strengths of World Wide Stereo & Gramophone
Cole emphasizes that the agreement is a positive step forward, combining the strengths of both organizations that have earned them decades of trust and loyalty from clients and vendors.
“It’s a fusion of strengths, where our combined expertise will lead to greater innovation and service,” says Cole.
The synergy between World Wide Stereo’s infrastructure and Gramophone’s showrooms will be able to enhance service offerings, improve client experience, and expand community reach, the companies state.
The collaboration will continue the legacy of both integrators, who add that another benefit of the merger will be an expanded focus on brick-and-mortar operations.
