Onkyo and Pioneer set to join forces

Onkyo and Pioneer look set to join forces and form a "capital/business alliance" in the AV world, according to a brief statement released by the two companies today.

"Pioneer Corporation, Onkyo Corporation and Baring Private Equity Asia have reached a basic agreement to commence discussions with an eye to integrating a part of Home AV business operations between Pioneer and Onkyo", the statement read.

"Both companies will retain their existing brands, and increase their corporate value," according to the announcement.

There's no mention of Gibson Guitar, the company which formed an alliance with Onkyo back in 2012 and has since bought TEAC and Woox Innovations, previously a division of Philips.

Today's statement didn't give much away, though we're told that more details should emerge later this week. Pioneer's Dolby Atmos event on Wednesday could perhaps see some clarification.

MORE: Pioneer readies Dolby Atmos AV products

The statement continued, "A portion of shares in Pioneer Home Electronics Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer, will be transferred to Baring and Onkyo.

"After the transfer, Baring will have 51% stake in PHE. The remaining 49% will be determined in consultation between the related parties."

Changes in the wider AV market and a shift from analogue to digital equipment were also cited as reasons for the companies to adapt and, it seems, join forces.

"Pioneer and Onkyo will make an effort to increase competitiveness by capitalizing on the resources of the two companies such as strong brand power and superior technologies.

"Also, the capital participation of Baring will maximize synergies including business expansion." That's enough corporate jargon for today...

The news sent Pioneer shares up 4 per cent and shares in Onkyo surged as much as 12.6 per cent

The three parties aim to close the deal by the end of August, said a Tokyo-based spokesman for Baring Private Equity, as reported by Reuters.

We will endeavour to find out more details on the deal and what it means for the future of Onkyo and Pioneer AV products in due course.

MORE: Onkyo launches Dolby Atmos amps and speakers

by Joe Cox

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Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is Content Director for T3 and What Hi-Fi?, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for more than 15 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).