RØDE Parent The Freedman Group Acquires Lectrosonics

RØDE parent The Freedman Group has announced the acquisition of Lectrosonics, a U.S. based pioneer in high-end wireless audio systems.

Founded in 1971, Lectrosonics’ UHF wireless systems are used in film, broadcast, and theater applications. The company’s Digital Hybrid Wireless technology earned an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement in 2017. This move marks a significant expansion of Freedman Group’s global footprint and manufacturing capabilities, especially in the United States.

The acquisition of Lectrosonics is a major milestone for the Australian Freedman Group. The company has grown from its origins as a family business in Sydney to become a global leader in audio technology. With Lectrosonics under its umbrella, The Freedman Group gains access to the company’s portfolio of wireless audio solutions while establishing a robust manufacturing hub in the United States. The move will enhance the group’s ability to serve the North & South American markets while responding more rapidly to the needs of their professional audio customers.

“They are without doubt the world’s leader in wireless communications for entertainment and broadcast markets,” says Peter Freedman AM, Founder & Chairman of The Freedman Group. “Being able to now offer our customers the finest sounding wireless technology in the world is, without exaggeration, something that is very special to me.”

Speaking with Forbes Australia, Freedman reveals that a major driver behind the acquisition was establishing a U.S. manufacturing hub. That hub will serve Lectrosonics, RØDE, and Mackie products for the North and South American markets. Final assembly of RØDE gear will shift to New Mexico within 90 days—overcoming tariff hurdles.

“It’s a double whammy,” Freedman said of the acquisition. “We end up with a company that’s been at the highest end in that area since the 1970s, but the best part is that it allows us now to have immediate U.S. manufacturing for everything we want.”

With the Lectrosonics acquisition finalized, Freedman says the group will pause further acquisitions to focus on integration. However, Freedman did hint that he would love to see the company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) within the next few years, estimating the group’s value at around $2 billion.