ASL Group Acquires Naim Audio North America USA Distributor for Naim Audio and NaimNet

ASL Group, formerly known as Audiophile Systems Ltd, announces they have acquired Naim Audio North America: the distributor for Naim Audio and NaimNet in the USA. This deal strengthens Naim’s foothold in America and gives dealers aligned with ASL more versatility through access to a robust brand synonymous with prestige.

NaimNet is Naim’s landmark distributed audio solution. Based on the NetStreams™ IP-connected platform, NaimNet delivers the best in high performance multi-room audio. NaimNet systems seamlessly integrate with lighting, HVAC, security systems, and video with NetStreams built-in DigiLinX™ intuitive interface. It is a versatile and powerful whole-house entertainment system that fits every environment and lifestyle.

According to Karen Richardson, president of ASL Group, the full complement of innovations and products by the Naim brand was strategically selected to increase profit for ASL’s high-end specialists and CI dealers. The company’s pivotal CD555 is recognized as the finest CD player ever produced. Naim Audio’s extensive high performance audiophile offerings include an exclusive OEM partnership to deliver the world’s best car sound system for the powerful and stylish Bentley automobiles.

Tony Gregory, co-founder and CEO of ASL Group said, “Now dealers can confidently integrate the best audiophile level products into their projects and systems proposals for high-end clientele who want and can afford the best. And on top of getting the finest sound and performance, clients get to say, “Bentley and I have the same world-class tastes in sound.”

Naim USA recognized the future need for growth of Naim brand and products in the USA, and chose the ASL Group to meet these objectives. Naim Audio CEO, Paul Stephenson, comments, “Going back home” would be an apt choice of phrase to describe this move, for anyone who knows the early history of Naim in the USA. We originally worked with ASL (formerly known as Audiophile Systems) when we first moved into the US marketplace and before we set up Naim North America. The new ASL Group, together with the Naim brand champions retained from Naim North America, will prove to be a formidable combination as the US market recovers. The passion, experience, logistics control, sales and service support which will become available to Naim in the USA, as a result of the union, will make this team the one to watch!

Transition related to the deal is expected to be as seamless as their system product integration.

Chris Koster, VP of sales for Naim Audio North America said, “It’s all good. ASL Group gives our brand and products a visibility edge with the best high performance dealers in the country. And combining resources makes our service and dealer support even stronger. We’re very excited to be working at the ASL Group.

All of the familiar and key Naim US employees will become ASL Group employees. Chris West and Chris Koster will continue to handle sales and general support issues. Dave Dever and Pat Flanagan will still be in charge of technical support and service and will relocate to ASL group headquarters in Indianapolis. Logistics – including billing, shipping, service, and all other administrative matters – will be moved to Indianapolis and absorbed by the ASL Group as well in the New Year.

We invite you to visit the ASL Group, Naim Audio and NaimNet at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 8-11, 2009 at the Venetian Conference Facility (Booth 31-210 and 31-220).

More about the full range of Naim offerings is available at www.naimusa.com and www.naimnet.com.

About ASL Group
Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, ASL Group is proud of its thirty-year history as a leading US sales management company of high performance audio and home theater products. Founded by Tony Gregory and the late Gary Warzin, ASL Group provides award-winning sales, service, and support to a first-rate dealer network specialized in presenting high performance products from internationally recognized manufacturers, including Burmester, Cambre, Naim Audio, NaimNet, Nottingham, and Qsonix. For additional information, please visit: www.aslgroup.com or telephone (317) 841-4100.

About Naim Audio and NaimNet
Manufactured in Salisbury, England, Naim is a company with a history and passion for top quality music reproduction. A passionate and committed interest in music is the foundation stone of Naim Audio and NaimNet products. Naim users across the globe, including numerous musicians, are our most discerning critics. They demand the very best and we have enjoyed responding to the challenge of bringing them closer to the music. From experience, they know that Naim does not release a product unless it has something genuinely unique to offer and integrates perfectly into the existing product range. For additional information, please visit: www.naimusa.com or telephone (317) 841-4100.