WS Audiology

About WS Audiology
WS Audiology exclusively develops, manufactures and sells leading-edge hearing aids via several brands – Signia, Widex, Rexton, Audio Services and others – as well as multiple sales channels. Its product spectrum covers the full range of hearing aids and accessories across all price categories. Development has always been a top priority as evidenced by many “world’s firsts” in hearing aid history, including the first hearing aid with a rechargeable battery. In addition, WS Audiology has become the leading online retailer of hearing aids through the acquisition of audibene in March 2015 and subsequent global expansion and acceleration of their business model.

The successful merger between two leading hearing aid companies has created a strong player with combined revenues of more than EUR 1.7 billion, over 10,000 employees and one of the strongest R&D teams in the industry. WS Audiology is driven by a passion to improve the quality of life for more than 700 million people with hearing needs globally. Together, the two pioneers have a combined experience of more than 170 years and will redefine the competitive landscape in the more than 125 countries they are present in.

Market trends and drivers
WS Audiology operates in a highly attractive market with healthy, non-cyclical growth driven by a growing addressable population due to: 1) An overall aging population, 2) Daily noise pollution increasing the number of hearing impaired people, 3) An increasing penetration of hearing aids users among the hearing impaired people thanks to improved technology and social acceptance and 4) increasing demand for hearing aids in developing countries

Investment potential
EQT VI, EQT VII and EQT VIII’s value creation plan is focused on continued investments into R&D to ensure future technology platforms continue to be best-in-class, solidifying the position as digital leader, driving commercial excellence and realizing synergies from the merger to secure a competitive cost position.