Naim is French!!?

i don't understand your sentiment. If the products are good, the product vision / strategy is going in the right direction and the investors are not doing unethical things, why would you care as an individual consumer.

You might be even more "disillusioned" upon further reading to find that Naim's Muso is now being made in China. A global economy is the way of the world. I'm fifty-something and have come to grips with that. Every country has mouths to feed and as Bert says, as long as the ethics are in place, why not?

I think you'll find that between 2000 and now, many of the British H-Fi institutions are owned by Chinese and Saudi holding companies.

Not all but plenty of them. When things got tough, it was either go bust; sack half your workforce and close a factory (Linn), or get an injection of capital in exchange for partial/complete ownership.

You can't have it both way's I'm afraid. I've often wondered whether some of Naim's newer products like the Muso are more of a drive to keep the investor's happy by doing some broad appeal products so that they can continue to do their no-compromise products unhindered.

I do sympathise with the OP's sentiment though. I spent over a decade in the finance sector servicing the largest banks, securities houses and central banks on the planet and the only thing I can say is that it is as shady as it looks and most of those appalling stereotypes perpetrated by Hollywood (American Psycho, Wall Street) are unfortunately really accurate. Those like me who came from the operations side rather than the dealer side know how close the whole thing is to coming down and keep emergency funds in the equivalent of under the mattress. So when a beloved company like Naim has to seek funding this way I understand how you feel. Just remember, the even without that, they would have needed loans and capital injections for growth like any other manufacturer so this news you recently re-read doesn't really change things all that much.  

The good thing is that (most) of Nain's equipment is researched, designed and assembled in Salisbury by local people.

Many of the components are probably manufactured outside the UK and Europe.

Who has invested in this enterprise, who calls the shots and who takes the profit is probably difficult to determine. A bit like Jaguar cars, Rolls Royce and Bentley cars, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Hinckley Power Station and a thousand wind turbines.

Its a mixed-up world in which we live ! But beware the Investment Companies IMHO, I went through a period involved with 3I's.............a bit like being advised on finance by a car dealer

if you'll only buy things that are 'purely' British from investment to delivery it is going to be mighty tough for you to eat or indeed consume or purchase anything!

Dissect the components or the funding behind any of the complex (or indeed simple) products around you and I have no doubt you'll find 'product of the world, funded internationally' stamped all over them.

Naim have a UK base and employ people in this county. They speak to me as a British company; whoever holds the funds. I try to support British brands, but more importantly I support brands that deliver good performance, service and choice wherever they originate.

Naim have always done that for me, so I'm brand loyal. Your relationship with the company judging from your profile is rather different-the fact they are funded outside the UK is apparently going to influence you against possibly buying a Naim product in the future, presumably independent of how they may perform or the suitability of the product for your needs. I reckon that is a bit odd myself.

Bruce

Don,

The auto manufacturing analogy sprang immediately to my mind. My family is all Hondas. A 1997 CRV made in Japan, a 2003 Civic made in Canada, and a 2004 Accord made in Ohio (United States). Despite being the oldest and highest mileage vehicle, the CRV is eminently the most reliable; even down to the smallest details, like bulb life of lighting components. Its comprised predominantly of Japanese-origin parts. The other cars are made from parts of varied origins. So I guess there can be some legitimate concern raised for outsourcing and off-shore manufacturing. It will be telling to see where the Muso rates in terms of reliability over the coming years.

I don't really care what you find a bit odd mate, you know nothing about me or my circumstances so don't go judging me like many of the sanctimonious ****s on this site judge others by their profile, which only shows the hi-fi system I have so big deal!

I can't afford the piles of gear that you've acquired, which is why I have what I have.

What I find 'odd' about you is your attraction to Triumph Stags! but hey, each to his own aye?

You're entitled to your view and to spend your money where you choose. Personally I don't care where the funding comes from, if I like the sound and I can afford it then I buy it, and that includes nasty french products, I own a set of Focal speakers and love them.  There aren't many all British companies any more and even fewer who aren't using foreign components or money

yes exactly, that was my point, there aren't enough purely British companies left anymore, that's what I find sad and that we let it happen. It doesn't have to be inevitable.

I think we are too late Dave, all of our cars went abroad in the 70s and 80s and the rest followed suit.  All part of being an international partner but on the plus side Naim hopefully now have the backing to continue for many years and to invest in new products which is surely a good thing? 

Don't overlook the British companies who are taking chunks if not all of overseas companies & brands;  it does go both ways.

I completely agree with the OP.

An English company in the hands of the bloody FRENCH!!! And we won the Second World War for those effing cowards!!!

;-)

It is not a matter of ethics but of a lost control when someone else owns you and starts making decisions and picking directions solely on a revenue basis.

Lol, very true! 

If there's any funny business with the workforce in Salisbury, Focal union bosses can pick up the phone and have 3000 tonnes of French merde on the Champs Elysees like *that*! Day 2 they send in the ripe Livarot!!

First Dr. Martin's...now Muso...the end is near!