CMI gains AKG from Hills

By Julius Grafton

Just two years after Hills acquired Audio Products Group, their stable of audio brands has again shrunk with the defection of AKG to CMI Music and Audio. Led by Ted Pretty, Hills added over 20 brands to their audio division after paying a rumoured $11 million to APG founder Ken Dywer.

Two years on, a significant slew of pro audio brands have departed Hills, including flagship Biamp (to Midwich), APG foundation line Toa (gone to Australis), the headphone side of Beyer Dynamic (to a new Syntec) and now AKG to CMI. Hills would probably say this is all quite rational, as it is not logical to distribute competing brands. Others would say Ted Pretty had lost his mind, and indeed the board of Hills seemed to agree as they ‘disappeared him’ last year.

Looking at the best fit for the future distribution of AKG in Australia, Harman turned to CMI Music & Audio who have for over 30 years been distributing Digitech for Harman and also looks after Harman’s Axys by Duran Road Tunnel evacuation projects. CMI was the clear choice (Says Rodney Houston, Regional Sales Director, Asia. Harman Professional Solutions) because of the diversity of the company, with its three divisions Musical Instruments, Music Technology and Pro Audio covering the Retail, Recording, Broadcast, Installation and Consumer markets.

“We are honoured to be chosen to represent AKG Microphones and Headphones for the Australian market” said CEO & Director Peter Trojkovic. “We have always admired AKG as one of the world’s leading microphone and Headphones brands and look forward to an exciting time in growing the brand in the Australian market.”

CMI will be displaying a full range of AKG Microphones and Headphones at this month’s Integrate show and will have stock available from early September.

www.cmi.com.au

www.akg.com