Sequential Joins the Focusrite Group

[FiveTenFiftyfold]

@Jukka

Take-overs by larger conglomerates, means new rules for decision making, like agreements when you need to pass decisions up the chain for review, and when you just make your own choice locally. I’d think dropping something major would normally get reviewed. If the decision came from on high to drop something, that also would get local review and feedback, but ultimately, you could guess who normally makes the final call, in that case.

Same goes to decisions within a group. Often there is some very open discussion, and open differences of opinion.

In regards Focusrite and some of the things posted on this thread, I guess it makes sense to contextualise it.

Focusrite was founded by Rupert Neve (famous for the Neve stuff obviously) and is headed up by the guy who founded Soundcraft.

Before Dave Smith sadly passed away they bought Sequential and Oberheim, which is what started this thread.

Previous to this, they had bought Martin Audio (and Optimal which I think was owned by Martin Audio), ADAM Audio, Linea Research and Novation. In addition to these primarily hardware manufacturers also Ampify and Sonnox.

It is probably worth considering the path of these subsidaries since Focusrite took over - from what I can tell from the outside it looks like they take a fairly hands off approach.

In addition, I also get the impression that Dave Smith would have thought long and hard about who to sell to - rather than just the highest bidder. Of course things change, but let’s see how it pans out. I for one don’t personally take a cynical view on this.

[Jukka]

@FiveTenFiftyfold

hands off

These all were investments. Focusrite is not a minority investor. My experience with this sort of thing is micro-managing doesn’t work. But you’re foolish to not pay attention. You collectively have a great deal of experience and intelligence. It’s a good thing to pool that knowledge and to work together when there is advantage to that. You need to assure there is a process going on inside each division for self improvement. They each set goals and share those goals. Making clear that the whole is there to support the parts when needed is good business.

[FiveTenFiftyfold]

Yeah I get it - but different businesses work in different ways… just trying to point to what evidence we’ve seen so far!

[Jukka]

You know what the process of “corporate change” is then.

[FiveTenFiftyfold]

Nope - it’s not “the” process in my experience, there are many ways organisations can change