- PHOENIX, AZ-In a move which brings together the worlds of distributed commercial sound and networked AV communications management, Atlas Sound has merged with Innovative Electronic Designs (IED). Both IED, founded in 1978 and based in Louisville, KY, and Atlas Sound, founded in 1934, will continue to operate independently, with no changes in management, staffing, or daily operations.
- "No two companies are closer in culture than IED and Atlas Sound," said Loyd Ivey, founder and CEO of Mitek, parent company of Atlas Sound. "We are merging two dynamic companies with similar core competencies and similar value systems."
- Hardy Martin, president of IED stated, "The manufacturing proficiency of Mitek, combined with the integrated audio and visual communications expertise of IED will be an incredible combination. As partners, IED and Atlas Sound can move to the next level of communications systems design."
- At a time when the worlds of paging, emergency evacuation, and security are becoming increasingly intertwined (see related feature story on page 58 of this issue), the merger has already attracted widespread industry attention.
- Chuck Wilson, executive director of NSCA, commented: "We work in a 'people' based industry. The quality people that make up Atlas Sound and IED really make this a great venture for our industry. Atlas Sound and IED are well situated to help grow the mass notification section of our industry."
- Pat Brown of Syn-Aud-Con also weighed in on the move: "The combined strengths of these two fine companies will enable them to provide sophisticated solutions to the most challenging sound reinforcement applications."
- IED and Atlas Sound will be part of the newly formed Mitek High Performance Communications Group. Throughout the transition, it will be "business as usual," according to Martin. "The operation of Mitek matches very well with our philosophies at IED, and we are confident that the merger will be smooth and seamless for our customers."
