Home Science SAINT-ÉTIENNE: Cedrick BOUTONET: Pushing the Limits of Innovation to Experience High

SAINT-ÉTIENNE: Cedrick BOUTONET: Pushing the Limits of Innovation to Experience High

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Focal and Naim, united under Vervent Audio, combine French and British expertise to reinvent Hi-Fi with connected systems.

Since their merger in 2011 within the Vervent Audio group, the French brand Focal and the British Naim Audio have combined their expertise to redefine sound excellence. This synergy, driven by a common passion for sound and 475 employees, aims to meet the new listening habits without ever sacrificing quality. “Every year, we push the limits of innovation to meet contemporary listening habits and affirm our ambition: to bring high-fidelity sound to its highest level,” says Cedrick Boutonet, CEO of Vervent Audio Holding.

The alliance of two exceptional expertise

The union of Focal and Naim represents the meeting of two complementary philosophies. Founded in 1979 by Jacques Mahul, Focal has become a global reference for its mastery of acoustics and its French artisanal expertise, producing speakers, headphones, and equipment for professionals and automotive. On the other hand, Naim Audio, founded in 1973 by Julian Vereker, embodies the excellence of British electronic engineering, specializing in amplification systems and streaming music players. Together, the two brands offer complete audio solutions, where the acoustic perfection of one is enhanced by the electronic precision of the other.

Handcrafted production in France and England

The group’s reputation relies on complete mastery of the production chain, located in its historical workshops. In La Talaudière, France, 280 Focal employees hand-assemble speakers and speakers with attention to detail worthy of artisans. For example, the cabinet of an iconic speaker like the Grande Utopia is made up of 75 pieces of wood and requires 50 hours of work. Similarly, in Salisbury, England, 122 expert technicians assemble Naim products according to strict processes. The reference amplification system, the Naim Statement, alone has 10,000 components and requires over 100 hours of assembly. This commitment to local manufacturing and impeccable quality is also reflected in the choice of noble materials like leather, solid aluminum, or rare wood essences crafted in the group’s cabinetmaking workshop in Burgundy.

Next-Generation Hi-Fi: Wireless and Uncompromising

Far from resting on their heritage, Focal and Naim innovate to bring high-fidelity into a new era, one of connectivity and ease of use. Showing that wireless and audiophile performance are no longer incompatible, the brands have recently launched revolutionary products. The range of active and connected speakers Diva Utopia (2024) and Diva Mezza Utopia (2025) combines the precision of a traditional system with the intuitiveness of an all-in-one solution, controllable via the Focal & Naim app. In the Home Cinema field, the immersive system Mu-so Hekla (2025) redefines the home experience with stunning sound spatialization and simplified installation. This modernization of listening is also present in mobility with the Bathys headphones, the brand’s first Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation.

A global network for an immersive experience

To share their vision of sound, Focal and Naim rely on a global network of 80 stores “Focal Powered by Naim” spread across 27 countries. From Seoul to Miami, via Dubai and Paris, these spaces are designed as brand showcases. More than just sales points, they offer a sensory immersion through private listening rooms and personalized support from experts. This selective distribution strategy, combined with recognized excellence by Focal’s integration into the prestigious Comite Colbert in 2024, firmly anchors the group in the world of luxury and sound innovation.

For more information, visit the official websites of Focal (https://www.focal.com) and Naim (https://www.naimaudio.com).