The company

Simple Audio was founded in Glasgow in 2008 to create a new generation of affordable, digital audio distribution systems capable of playing music from multiple sources, at high quality throughout the home. The focus on Powerline/ethernet transmission technology aimed to address the problems associated with the existing market offering of poor quality sound reproduction, complex installation and control systems and high cost base.

The opportunity

Par Equity were attracted by the market leading nature of the product. This was complemented by a high calibre management team who had previously worked with a premium audio company and had developed a trusted network across the development, production and retail cycle. The Par Syndicate completed their initial investment in December 2010.

The exit

Simple Audio was acquired by US gaming and PC hardware manufacturer, Corsair Inc. in February 2013 generating a c.1.8x cash on cash return for Par investors.

What they said

Andy Paul, president and CEO of Corsair highlighted "We have followed Simple Audio as a potential investment opportunity since 2010 and we are extremely impressed by their vision of HD digital music in the post-iPod era."