Benzinga | Jun 28, 2021 09:02AM EDT

VOXX International Corporation's Subsidiary, Premium Audio Company, LLC, Enters Into Joint Venture Agreement With Sharp Corporation To Acquire The Audio/Video Business Of Onkyo Home Entertainment Corporation For $30.8M

VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX) ("VOXX" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive and consumer technologies for the global markets, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Premium Audio Company, LLC, and Sharp Corporation ("Sharp") have successfully entered into a joint venture (the "JV") to acquire certain assets of the audio/video business of Onkyo Home Entertainment Corporation ("Onkyo"). This follows the Asset Purchase Agreement signed by the parties as announced on June 3, 2021.

The proposed transaction was approved by Onkyo shareholders at its Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 25, 2021 and was previously approved by Onkyo's Board of Directors. The total purchase price for the transaction is $30.8 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities and future payment of commissions to Onkyo on certain product sales. Premium Audio Company will own approximately 75% and Sharp will own approximately 25% of the JV.

Premium Audio Company will handle distribution worldwide and be responsible for all sales and marketing activities. Sharp, though its manufacturing facility in Malaysia, will be responsible for manufacturing. The acquisition will provide the JV with ownership of the brands, intellectual property, engineering, and manufacturing rights of the Onkyo and Integra brands. Further, VOXX International has entered into a new licensing agreement with Pioneer Corporation and per this licensing agreement, Premium Audio Company will market and sell the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brands worldwide, excluding the Peoples Republic of China.

Onkyo Home Entertainment Corporation is a leader in the audio and video home entertainment industry, with one of the most respected names in home theater systems. Onkyo markets and sells a variety of products under the Onkyo and Integra brands in home audio, lifestyle audio, hi-fi components, and speaker systems, all of which VOXX, through the joint venture between Premium Audio Company and Sharp, will now own. Further, licensed products from Pioneer will include audio/video receivers and sound bars for home use and home-theater systems.

Pat Lavelle, President and Chief Executive Officer of VOXX International stated, "This is another milestone for VOXX and our shareholders, as we have aligned with a strong manufacturing partner in Sharp, while adding powerful brands, products and engineering capabilities to our Company. It will take time to ramp up production and secure parts, given near-term industry headwinds, but believe this transaction will lead to significant growth and improved profitability in the years ahead. In fiscal 2022, we anticipate net sales of approximately $50.0 million, with upside thereafter as we leverage our distribution domestically and abroad. We look forward to welcoming the Onkyo team to the VOXX family."

Finalization of the transaction is subject to customary and regulatory closing conditions and is expected to be consummated on or before August 30, 2021.