One can look at these change of ownerships different ways. An investment firm buying a private company doesn't necessarily mean the end of what made that company great. Smart management will see the value of preserving the core principles of the company because this is what their reputation (brand) is built on. Often new ownership means cash infusion for R&D, modernization, quality control--and new energy. Companies can get complacent, lazy, smug, or simply lose their way. With sharp new management, a company be revitalized, build upon old successes and go in new directions. High-end audio is a precious, niche market generating comparatively small profits. No investment firm is going to buy a company like ARC with expectations of selling product into Best Buy and Circuit City. More likely, they'll help the company expand its product line and distribution channels a bit, and operate more efficiently. So how is that bad?
audio research sells out good or bad ?
Audio reserach sells out to Quadrivio SGR investment company after 38 years ,the same company who aquired sonus faber.I do wonder if any company can sustain the type of personel products and direction when the boys on top are watching out for the bottom line.I am not saying that this is a bad thing only saying that 2 channel is made up of niche players and to build a companys from a 10 mio business to 50 mio you would think things would have to change. They are a great company with a great following and hope they are around for another 38 years.