Case study: MAGIX
Enlivening the Web
Berlin-based MAGIX is one of the world’s leading companies in the field of personal rich media – software products that help users create audio and visual presentations for display across a range of media. Founders Juergen Jaron, Dieter Rein, Tilman Herberger and Titus Tost were among the pioneers in this area. The company markets more than 80 products used by individuals, broadcasters, professional audio firms, and just about any other company involved in creative services.
In February 2000, 3i, along with technology holding company tbg, invested DM9.8m (Û4.9m) to acquire 25% of MAGIX. The company accelerated its product development and formed strategic partnerships, including agreements with Warner Music Group, Sharp, T-Online, Nestle and Avatar. MAGIX increased turnover from Û4.5m to Û20m within four years, and is a steady cash generator.
Juergen Jaron, CEO and Co-founder, MAGIX
MAGIX’s managers say the cash infusion helped the firm catch a wave, so it is well placed to benefit from a growing consumer preference for personalised, self-directed media. “The development of broadband internet, and the increased availability of multimedia cell phones, high-performance PCs, digital cameras and CD/DVD devices, have been brought together to revolutionise home entertainment,” says CEO and Co-founder Juergen Jaron. “Those dull old slide-show evenings can be turned into multimedia spectaculars, shaky vacation footage is now transformed into professionally-cut action movies, and PCs have become music recording studios.”