Show and entertainment lighting manufacturer Clay Paky has been acquired by Osram, one of the top two lighting manufacturers in the world. Pasquale Quadri, Clay Paky founder and president, has signed an agreement for the acquisition, which is subject to approval by antitrust authorities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. After the acquisition, Clay Paky will continue to operate from its production and administrative head office in Bergamo, Italy.
“Integration with Osram, which has a great wealth of technological competence and an in-depth knowledge of the lighting market, is an ideal opportunity for the further development of Clay Paky,” said Quadri. “After 40 years crowned by success, I am delighted to be able to offer my company, my staff and our customers a reliable solution for a secure future. Osram plans that Clay Paky will maintain its independence to a large extent in day-to-day business.” Key positions will remain in the company, providing continuity in management.
“Clay Paky is a selective addition and improves the position of the specialty lighting business unit in a highly attractive market,” said Wolfgang Dehen, CEO of Osram. “
The innovation-driven entertainment lighting market is very attractive, with mid-single digit percentage growth rates,” said Osram in a statement.
The manufacturer will join Osram’s Specialty Lighting business unit, which comprises the company’s automotive lighting as well as the display and optics activities. “The combination of Osram and Clay Paky will form a leading professional entertainment lighting systems provider with a strong expertise in SSL [solid-state lighting] technologies such as LED and laser light,” said Hans-Joachim Schwabe, CEO of Osram Specialty Lighting.
Clay Paky has been a major global name in the sector of professional lighting systems since 1976. Its wide range of products includes several types of computerised luminaires, featuring conventional or LED sources. Its products are known for their innovations in show lighting design. During its history, Clay Paky has received dozens of international awards. Its recent annual turnover was more than €60 million.
Osram, which is based in Munich, Germany, has a portfolio that covers the entire value chain from components – including lamps, electronic control gear and opto semiconductors including light-emitting diodes (LED) – as well as luminaires, light management systems and lighting solutions. The company’s turnover in the year to September 2013 was almost €5.3 billion.
