Clair Global has acquired Eighth Day Sound Systems ‘with the specific goal of continuing to support the dedicated relationships for touring customers from both rosters’.
Before the industry slowdown, Tom Arko, president of Eighth Day, and Troy Clair, owner of Clair Global, discussed how the partnership between the two touring giants could further improve and strengthen future tour support.
“First and foremost, our hearts and thoughts are with our colleagues and families affected by this sudden work stoppage worldwide,” said Clair and Arko in a joint statement. “While the impact is huge, we encourage all to stay healthy and focus on the future. We’ll get through this and return to work when we can safely gather again for production events.”
The new alliance will offer a broad range of full line premier speaker brands, amplified availability from the more extensive audio equipment base, and flexibility from the boosted global presence. The two companies will continue their long-term relationships with manufacturers that they have had for many years.
The acquisition, previously scheduled to close early April, was delayed because of the pandemic’s worldwide impact on the industry.
“It was a good idea then, and an even better idea now,” commented Arko. “By using this available time, we’ll emerge prepared with all the needed resources to serve a global customer base effectively. We see it as one world, one focus, and one company, and perhaps more importantly, the union ‘keeps it in the family,’ with both companies entirely family-owned and operated. Because of our respected mutual values, I have no doubt the passion for the audio industry will continue in this new venture and become a better solution to meet the needs of the industry ahead.”
“No one can predict the future, but we believe in the future of live events,” said Clair. “Once it is safe, we fully expect there to be an even greater demand for live entertainment, and we will be prepared to serve that demand. We are excited to strengthen our team and grow our family.”
The Eighth Day Sound brand will be maintained and will conduct business as it has for the last 40 years, under the same management and with the same staff. The company will become a stand-alone brand under the Clair Global umbrella, joining Britannia Row Productions in the UK, JPJ in Australia, and AudioRent Clair AG in Switzerland.
