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Ritmo

Ritmo

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mbl has a new owner, says future is secure | Stereophile.com

German speaker and electronics manufacturer MBL Akustikgeräte has been acquired by MBL International GmbH, a new subsidiary of China’s Chow Tai Seng. MBL says the deal secures the company's long-term future and is a step toward resolving ongoing insolvency proceedings. Chow Tai Seng, whose core...
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German speaker and electronics manufacturer MBL Akustikgeräte has been acquired by MBL International GmbH, a new subsidiary of China’s Chow Tai Seng. MBL says the deal secures the company's long-term future and is a step toward resolving ongoing insolvency proceedings.


Chow Tai Seng, whose core business is fine jewelry designed, manufactured, and sold under its own brand, ranks among the world's top 100 luxury-goods companies, with about 4200 employees and more than 4700 stores across China, according to the announcement. The group also owns United Audio, a distributor of high-end audio brands (including several German manufacturers) in the Chinese market. With MBL, the group adds its first in-house audio manufacturer.


"MBL is in excellent hands with MBL International GmbH, backed by Chow Tai Seng," CEO Christian Hermeling said, adding that the owner is a long-time MBL user.


The Berlin headquarters, German production, team, and core values remain unchanged, and the firm’s international distribution network will be further developed under the new ownership. MBL characterized the move as providing stability, continuity, and growth opportunities, including within China’s burgeoning high-end audio market.
 
Reis' leaving seems like a huge loss. Hopefully they have enough technical depth to minimize this. MBL has been an iconic brand with well earned reputation for greatness.
 
I met Reis a few months ago when he was on his way back to Berlin from Shenzhen where he gave trainings to United Audio on MBL products. From my conversation with him at that time, he was more like a consultant to the new MBL company. I asked him explicitly whether he was still working for the company. He gave a vague answer. It is sad to see him leaving. Wondering what the new direction of the new MBL company he is talking about.
 
Seems it is not hard to find a story on Reis's leaving, it is big news and his explanation makes me really wonder what MBL is thinking. Someone else left MBL before Reis stating essentially the same reason I'll have to see if I can find that story again to retrieve his name.

HiFi News
juergenreis-mbl-1024x769.jpg

I recently received an email from Jürgen Reis, MBL’s chief engineer for more than 40 years, announcing he’s no longer with the company.

I’m not privy to any details beyond the content of that email from which I’ll quote:

“The transition from MBL Akustikgeräte to MBL International does go differently to what I would like to see or would / can support. It appears that there are different views regarding both the company’s legacy (all my work) and its future direction.

“I remain available to support former importers, dealers, and customers, and I am happy to assist directly. However, I am no longer affiliated with MBL International. I wish nothing but the best for the company, as this has been my life’s work.”
Click to expand...
Here’s what I do know—when the person who has been largely responsible for a company’s products leaves that leaves more than a dent—more like a hole. But sure, brands can have staying power and fill that hole but I’m more of a people person than a brand devotee when it comes to hifi.

It sure sounds like MBL is planning some type of deviation from what made it great. I liken MBL before Reis to Dr. Banner and MBL after Reis to the Hulk :)
 
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