Clair Global has acquired two niche firms, helping it meet rising technical demands and tap new markets.
The Lititz-based company said Thursday that it has bought the assets of Wireless First and a related firm, GTO Live, for an undisclosed price.
Clair Global is the world's largest provider of concert audio systems and technicians, which it rents to touring rock, pop and country groups.
In Wireless First, it has added expertise in wireless microphones, ear monitors, intercoms and other critical equipment.
Based in Mount Vernon, N.Y., Wireless First was founded by Kevin Sanford in 1996.
Clients include production companies, television networks, events, schools and churches.
In GTO Live, Clair Global has added a provider of rental "backline" equipment (instruments and amplifiers) for live televised events and elsewhere.
Based in Bensalem and founded by Sanford in 2008, clients include the Tony Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Country Music Awards.
Wireless First and GTO Live, with about 25 employees combined, will keep their current work forces and company names.
They'll operate as part of Clair Global's newly formed broadcast services division.
Managing the new division will be Sanford and Shaun Clair, grandson of Clair Global co-founder Gene Clair.
For Clair Global, the acquisitions bring it expertise in crucial niches of the business and a bigger presence in the growing televised-events field.
"Combining our collective expertise will not only allow us to offer a broader range of services, but also provide an opportunity to enter new markets," Shaun Clair, said.
For Wireless First and GTO Live, they now can offer their clients the proprietary audio technology and systems of Clair Global.
Clair Global got its start in 1966 when Gene Clair and his brother, Roy, provided the sound for a Four Seasons concert at Franklin & Marshall College.
Over the years, it blossomed into an international power with nine offices worldwide and a client roster that includes U2, Elton John, Billy Joel, John Mayer and many others.
Clair Global is related to, but separate from, Clair Brothers, which designs, makes, sells and installs audio, video and lighting systems.
Customers of Clair Brothers include theaters, houses of worship, stadiums, cruise ships, television studios, schools and nightclubs.
The two companies shared space in Lititz until last year, when Clair Brothers moved to a $4.9 million facility in Manheim.