The private equity backer of Audiotonix, a manufacturer of professional audio consoles, is preparing to kick off a sale process which could value it at more than £1.5bn.

Sky News has learnt that Ardian, a French buyout firm, is to hire advisers in the coming weeks to oversee an auction of the Chessington-based company.

Audiotonix, whose equipment has been used by bands such as Coldplay and U2 during global tours, is estimated to have a 30% market share across roughly 90 countries.

Its brands include DiGiCo, Allen & Heath and Solid State Logic.

Calrec, another Audiotonix brand, mixed sound that was broadcast to a broadcast audience of millions from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee concert in

Acquired by Ardian in 2019, from Astorg, another private equity firm, Audiotonix was founded in 2014.

The company has since been backed by a succession of investors, including Livingbridge and Epiris.

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It makes both hardware and software, and employs more than 200 engineers focused on research and development.

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A source close to the company said its valuation was partly predicated on continued growth in the live music and audio experience sectors, as well as further acquisition opportunities.

Both Ardian and Audiotonix declined to comment.

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