Management Buyout for Autograph

	The new directors of Autograph Sound (l-r): Rob Tory, Jon Sealey, Scott Arnold, Will McGonagle and Scott George

The leading force in UK theatre sound for over half a century, Autograph Sound has confirmed the successful completion of a management buyout which, the company says, will ensure its continued stability into the next generation.

The London-based specialist in theatre sound and pro audio services completed the management buyout this month. This development, long in the planning, comes into effect as Autograph's co-founder and chairman, sound designer Andrew Bruce, retires. Taking the company forward are five long-serving members of the Autograph management team. Scott Arnold continues as managing director; Scott George as commercial director; Will McGonagle as hire director; Rob Tory as technical director; and Jon Sealey as operations director.

For Bruce, who created Autograph Sound alongside Phil Clifford in 1973, this is the satisfying culmination of a long process, and a result that provides the best foundation for everyone involved. "Autograph has always been a family-owned company," he says, "and I'm chuffed that we've managed to keep it that way, only with some new families involved. I'm excited that it's going to continue to be owned, run, and populated by people who just love doing this -- experimenting with sound. I know them and their collective ethos well enough to say that they will be just sensational at it."

Speaking on behalf of the new owners, Arnold says, "Autograph's independence is at the heart of our identity, and ensuring it continues in the same manner that evolved under the leadership of Julian Beech, Duncan Bell, and Terry Jardine over the last 40 years is absolutely essential. I am fully confident that Jon, Rob, Scott, and Will are the ideal team to lead us forward; their expertise, good humor, and ambition will ensure Autograph continues to deliver a world-class level of service.

"We can't thank Andrew enough for his support and belief in what comes next. He has entrusted us with his legacy, and we will do our utmost to protect it."

The change in ownership officially takes effect today.