26 February 2001
AMP Henderson Private Capital Puts $10 Million On The Slab
AMP Henderson Private Capital is to invest $10 million (US$ 4.42 million) in sound technology company Slab
International, a local company that produces world leading loudspeakers less than half an inch deep.
AMP Henderson Private Capital made its investment jointly with Caltech Capital Partners, as part of their successful
joint venture relationship.
Established in 1992 and based in Auckland, Slab International has two divisions, Slab Sound and Slab DSP.
Slab Sound has proprietary technology for thin electrodynamic speakers that produce very high quality sound. Slab DSP
makes analogue noise cancellation devices and is currently developing the world’s first digital noise cancellation
device.
The investment will be used to purchase the assets of Slab’s Hong Kong based distributor and also to allow the
recruitment of further engineering staff.
“With its great technology and strong systems, we believe that Slab is well positioned for growth,” said AMP Henderson
Private Capital director, Deepak Gupta.
“The excellent acoustic performance of Slab’s panel speakers will allow the company to tap into markets which values the
aesthetics of flat panel speakers but is unwilling to compromise function for form.”
“In addition to this, Slab DSP has developed an analogue noise cancellation device which we believe will be cost
efficient enough to enter the economy class airline market. This should allow the airlines to provide an improved travel
experience to its customers.”
Slab CEO Chris Lock welcomed the investment.
“Having a major player like AMP Henderson Private Capital invest in Slab is a huge vote of confidence in our technology
and our people,” Mr Lock said.
“It’s also a clear signal to the market that we now have the potential to supply our products on a global basis.”
Caltech Capital Partners’ director, Douglas Paul will join the Slab board as part of the investment.
AMP Henderson Private Capital is New Zealand’s largest private capital investment manager. Caltech Capital Partners is a
specialist New Zealand technology venture capital fund manager.
Ends