Directed Electronics Acquires Astroflex

Is DEI buying up everyone out there. VISTA, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Directed Electronics, Inc. , the largest designer and marketer of consumer branded vehicle security and convenience systems in the United States based on sales and a major supplier of home audio, mobile audio and video, and satellite radio products, announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Astroflex, Inc., a prominent vehicle remote start supplier based in Canada. For fiscal year 2006, Directed expects the acquisition to add in excess of $5.5 million dollars in gross product sales and be slightly accretive to earnings. The Company will be providing further detail regarding this transaction on its earnings call on May 15, 2006. Located in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Astroflex was founded in 1989 and was privately owned by Jean Desmarais, who will continue to lead the company under Directed's ownership. Astroflex has created a strong market position in key U.S. and Canadian markets by offering high quality, premium vehicle remote start products supported by outstanding technical service and support to its dealers, distributors, and consumers. According to Jim Minarik, President and CEO of Directed, "The acquisition of Astroflex will further strengthen our leadership in the growing remote start category by adding another premium product line to our existing portfolio of brands which includes Viper, Python, Clifford, and others. This is a strategic acquisition for Directed that complements our long-term relationship with our Canadian distributor." Mr. Minarik added, "We are particularly pleased to announce this acquisition as it demonstrates our ability to continue executing on our strategy of making complementary and accretive acquisitions." Astroflex's founder and President, Jean Desmarais, added, "Over the last 15 years, we have worked closely with our customers and sales force to create a professionally installed remote start product offering which is attractive to consumers and profitable for our dealers. We expect to continue this same tradition under Directed's ownership while simultaneously leveraging Directed's industry expertise to further expand our market position. We believe Directed is a perfect partner for Astroflex, our employees and customers, and we are very excited to join the team." About Directed Electronics, Inc. Directed Electronics is the largest designer and marketer of consumer branded vehicle security and convenience systems in the United States based on sales and a major supplier of home audio, mobile audio and video, and satellite radio products. As the sales leader in the vehicle security and convenience category, Directed offers a broad range of products, including security, remote start, hybrid systems, GPS tracking and navigation, and accessories, which are sold under its Viper(R), Clifford(R), Python(R), and other brand names. In the home audio market, Directed designs and markets award-winning Definitive Technology(R) and a/d/s/(R) premium loudspeakers. Directed's mobile audio products include speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers sold under its Orion(R), Precision Power(R), Directed Audio(R), a/d/s/(R), and Xtreme(R) brand names. Directed also markets a variety of mobile video systems under the Directed Video(R), Directed Mobile Media(R) and Automate(R) brand names. Directed also markets and sells certain SIRIUS-branded satellite radio products, with exclusive distribution rights for such products to Directed's existing U.S. retailer customer base.

I read the title and thought I heard this a while ago. Then I thought I had some super human strength to predict the future of company buy outs and thought i could make billions on it in the stock market. Then I read it and was like yeah I did read it a while ago. Bummer. Back to working.

It's been a while now since this happened. Looks like they want a few more companies though before they're happy.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

i like a few of the DEI bypass modules and thats about it.  i have never heard of or seen a astroflex until i have seen this message board...

they've also recently bought autostart, and before that polk audio.Shaughn Murley

Install Manager, Dealer Services

Visions Electronics

Red Deer, Alberta

Ya, the guys in tech support really don't sound all that enthused about things.. Just hope the don't let things slide, Astro is a great product with great support.. It would be nice to have some of DEI's recorces avalible for us astro guys at times... The corperate Pac Man s is darn hungryTire Proz Stillwater Mn

High End Restyling and Comlete Repair

Thats great, DEI has their fingers in everything, this is the ump-tenth company they're bought out this year. rtfm