Phonak
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Phonak Group | |
|---|---|
| Type | Public |
| Founded | 1947 (company), 1985 (holding) |
| Headquarters | Stäfa, Switzerland |
| Key people | Andy Rihs, Chairman William D. Dearstyne, Vice-Chairman Valentin Chapero Rueda, CEO |
| Industry | Hearing instruments |
| Products | Various |
| Revenue | 1.073 Bil. CHF (2006/2007) |
| Employees | 4,246 (2007) |
| Website | www.phonak.com |
Phonak is a Swiss company that specializes in hearing and wireless systems. The Phonak Group consists of three divisions - Phonak Hearing Systems, Unitron Hearing and Phonak Wireless Communications Systems.
On August, 1, 2007 Phonak AG officially changed its name to Sonova Holding AG. Its products are still sold under the brand name Phonak, though.
Phonak traces its roots back to the "AG für Elektroakustik" which was founded in 1947. The company was bought by Ernst Rihs in 1965. As of September 2007, the group employed about 4,200 employees worldwide.
Phonak was the title sponsor of the UCI ProTour team Phonak Hearing Systems, active between 2002 and 2006.
On October 2, 2006, the Phonak Group agreed to a share-purchase agreement with GN ReSound in an acquisition worth a total of $2.65 billion.[1]
In the fall of 2006, Phonak launched the initiative "Hear the World" which creates awareness for the topic of hearing and hearing loss and promotes good hearing across the planet. The goal of Hear the World is to educate the public about the importance of hearing, the social and emotional implications of hearing loss, and the available solutions for those with hearing impairment. World renowned musicians such as Plácido Domingo, the Vienna Philharmonic, Bryan Adams, and Joss Stone support Hear the World as ambassadors.
The company produces the following products:
- Hearing aids
- Wireless communication systems for schools
