Acquisition of prodyTel Distribution GmbH

The transaction was completed on 21st December 2023, following clearance from the German Federal Cartel Office.

Kern & Stelly, a Midwich Group company, is pleased to announce that it has entered a binding agreement to acquire prodyTel Distribution GmbH (“prodyTel” or “the Company”). Based in Stein, close to Nuremberg, prodyTel is a value-add distributor of professional audio and technical solutions. Christian Carrero, one of the original founders, will continue to lead the business.

prodyTel was founded in 2003, originally as a manufacturer of audio codecs before switching its focus to distribution in 2014. From there it has developed a strong vendor portfolio, including premium brands Biamp, Aver and Jabra, with a particular focus on the corporate and education market.

prodyTel supplements its core distribution services with a suite of value-add services for its trade customers throughout Germany. These services include the prodyTel Academy, offering technology seminars, training courses, and product demonstrations to customers from a dedicated 230 m² space within their facility.

The acquisition of prodyTel will allow customers of both businesses to have access to a broader range of solutions and benefit from the combined expertise of the respective teams.

Completion of the transaction is subject to merger control clearance from the German Federal Cartel Office.

Andreas Stelly, Kern & Stelly Managing Director, commented:

With the prospective acquisition of prodyTel Distribution GmbH, we are further investing in a rapidly growing audio market and expanding our AV portfolio with additional products and solutions in the audio-visual sector. Thanks to renowned audio manufacturers, we can develop a comprehensive and exciting range of services in the AV and audio segment for both new and existing customers. The prodyTel range complements our portfolio perfectly, allowing us to offer holistic solutions for conference, meeting, and training rooms. The prodyTel team are experts in audio-visual IT solutions, sound reinforcement, broadcast, and media technology, ensuring personalized advice and support. I am very delighted to welcome the new colleagues to the Midwich family.

Stephen Fenby, Midwich Group Managing Director commented:

We are delighted to have reached an agreement to acquire prodyTel, which strengthens our technology offering in the DACH region. prodyTel has a strong reputation in the market which has enabled it to attract top tier brands. Customers greatly value the expertise the company is able to offer and will now be able to benefit from the combined portfolio of prodyTel and Kern & Stelly. We look forward to working with Christian and his team to build on the success the business has experienced in recent years.

Christian carrero, Managing Director of ProdyTel commented:

Not only have I developed a lot of personal relationships over the last 20 years with many people within the Midwich family, but prodyTel has often found itself working alongside Kern & Stelly on common projects. From these interactions, I had already developed a positive feeling about the corporate culture in Kern & Stelly.

I had quite a few offers to sell my company over the years, but based upon these past interactions, when the opportunity presented itself to join the Midwich family, it seemed only logical. I believe this deal can bring prodyTel and its people to the next level in distribution and vice versa will allow us to share our expertise in audio and AV project management to support Kern & Stelly to further grow its business in Germany.

Personally, I am really excited to contribute to the group with my 25 years of knowledge in the global AV market and am already looking forward to many new and exciting projects and ideas within Kern & Stelly and Midwich.

For more information visit www.kern-stelly.de.