Since 2010, the Berlin company Lautsprecher Teufel GmbH was part of the HG Capitol group. In 2018, it was decided to sell the Berlin company. The French investor, the company Naxicap Partners, won the bid and has now taken over Lautsprecher Teufel with over 200 employees. Naxicap Partners is no stranger in the industry; who would have thought that different brands like Teufel, Naim, Focal... are ever united under one roof. For the customer, it's probably not really of greatinterest who is behind the different brands. However, unusual constellations arise through various investors, as can be observed here.
(Image above high-end top speaker brand Focal from France)
Naxicap Partners wants to further push engagement in the consumer electronics sector in general., so the first statements regarding the acquisition. At Lautsprecher Teufel GmbH, essentially nothing should change due to this acquisition; rather, they aim to bring their wide range of products closer to even more customers than before.
The company Teufel is one of the largest German manufacturers and a leading European provider of high-quality audio devices in direct sales. In 2017, the company achieved a revenue of more than 100 million euros with around 200 employees.
Naxicap Partners is a private equity investment company from France and currently manages a portfolio of investments worth around three billion euros, specializing in medium-sized companies with growth potential. Naxicap Partners will work with the existing management team of Teufel to further strengthen the brand's market position and ensure further expansion of the company.
We are very pleased to work with Naxicap Partners, a very successful and experienced investor in the consumer audio sector. Together, we will fully exploit Teufel's potential in new markets. We will offer our core products to a broader direct customer base. We would like to thank HG Capitol for their years of commitment and valuable support. The future will be loud... so say the two managing directors at Teufel, Sascha Mallah and Joachim Wimmers.
As part of the acquisition, we want to go back to the founding of Lautsprecher Teufel.
Lautsprecher Teufel was founded in 1979 by Peter Tschimmel as a dealer for speaker kits and components. The goal from the beginning was to make HiFi affordable. With the pre-made kits, Peter Tschimmel hit a nerve. In 1980, Peter Tschimmel opened the
first store, more and more HiFi enthusiasts decided to build their own speakers. This laid the foundation for Teufel's continuous growth.
Under the slogan Teufel speakers – rather build better boxes yourself the Teufel models became the most successful on the Berlin market – more successful than any ready-made speaker.
eCommerce at Teufel
Long before anyone had heard of the internet or online shopping, Teufel was already relying on new media. The first order via email came in as early as 1985!
In 1988, Teufel builds ready-made speakers that are sold through specialty retailers. The success is huge: the two-channel system 'Teufel M 200' sells a total of 20,000 times by 1996! The trade press is thrilled: In issue 08/1988 of HiFi Vision the Teufel M 200/M 6000 system is awarded as a reference speaker. In 1990, Teufel changes its sales model – from specialty and retail to direct sales via catalog. This leads to better conditions: the speakers can be offered at a fraction of the previous price. It also leads to better speakers: direct contact with customers provides many suggestions and improvement ideas. The result speaks for itself: the new Concept speaker series from Teufel and the first model Concept M300conquer the market in the same year.
1995 the first home cinema surround system is released
Just in time for the launch of the first DVD in 1995, the first Dolby-certified home cinema surround system 'Theater 2' is released. The following year, in 1996, Teufel's first THX-certified home cinema speaker system hit the market - a premiere in Germany: the Teufel Theater 8. The dipole speakers M 300 D also received the demanding, coveted THX licenseTo this day, Teufel adheres to THX - the most demanding quality standard for home cinema components. Today, Teufel is Europe's leading provider of home cinema systems that carry the most demanding quality seal for home cinema components: THX.
In 1997, Teufel's first webshop goes live. Now even more audio fans can be reached. The eight-week return policy for extensive testing and the twelve-year warranty on speakers are direct results of customer feedback. The current website meets all the wishes of discerning HiFi fans: detailed product information, excerpts from tests, and customer reviews provide a detailed impression of our products, and numerous payment and shipping options offer the right solution for every customer.
In 2006, Teufel becomes Europe's largest audio direct sales company
Teufel expands its range and enters the field of PC multimedia speakers. The Concept C is the first model from the new series and is an immediate success. Just like the LT 3 from the new LT column series. It's made of aluminum and a design highlight. The immensely successful Concept S has now reached cult status and paved the way for the expansion of the range towards high-quality aluminum column speakers. Last but not least: the new System 6 – the first Teufel system with flat membrane chassis – is coming tothe market. Teufel significantly increases its sales and will become Europe's largest direct distributor of audio systems.
2009 the company celebrates its 30th anniversary! Under the motto “Incredible sound at an incredible price” invites Teufel's old and new fans to celebrate together. To celebrate the occasion, Teufel presents the Ultima 800, an extremely elaborate, audiophile stereo speaker at the usual good Teufel price. Roomfeld, a Berlin start-up, is integrated into the company. It complements the portfolio with an innovative, wireless multi-room streaming solution. Audio with a great future!
(Image Above Flagship Store Teufel Bikini House Berlin Zoo)
In early 2011, Lautsprecher Teufel opens its own online shops in Great Britain and the Netherlands. Also internationally, Teufel is everywhere where Teufel is written: an outstanding price-performance ratio and a fast, reliable customer service. The company, now with over 130 employees, is growing with a new “International” team that has the challenging task of positioning and promoting Teufel abroad.
Together with Roomfeld, Teufel develops the new brand further in 2013, gaining new fans and numerous awards. Together with the German furniture manufacturer hülsta, the company realizes a series of audio furniture. In China, the sale of Teufel speakers begins for the first time.
Devil steps into the spotlight and moves from a commercial courtyard in Schöneberg right into the heart of Berlin's City West: in the renovated, listed Concept Mall 'Bikini Berlin' at Zoo Station. At the same time, the first Teufel Raumfeld flagship store opens at the new location between the Memorial Church and the monkey cage. Where once David Bowie and Iggy Pop celebrated in the West Berlin club 'Linientreu', visitors can experience the whole world of Teufel on more than 800 m² with several elaborate listening rooms and demonstration cinemas as well as glass laboratories.Raumfeld.
Teufel goes B2B
The establishment of the B2B department quickly showed great successes, and Teufel can be pleased with partners like Lufthansa, Heineken, Netflix, and many more. Teufel started in 2016 as the first audio company to deliver Dolby Atmos licensed column speakers. The LT 5 Atmos was developed in close collaboration with Dolby and quickly established itself as a simple solution for intense, object-based sound without compromises.
In 2017, the new Teufel streaming series will launch. A fixed component is the proven and multiple award-winning Raumfeld technology. Even now, the extensive portfolio with its excellent sound properties and clever features sets standards.
We will continue to report on Lautsprecher Teufel and are curious about what new products will hit the market in the coming years.
