Francisco Partners exits Muse Group (Audacity, Hal Leonard, MuseScore)

Francisco Partners, the private equity firm, is now exiting Muse Group amid 2026’s financial maneuvers. Muse Group is the Cyprus-based conglomerate that owns the publishing giant Hal Leonard, audio editor Audacity, notation software MuseScore and StaffPad, and the online platform Ultimate Guitar.

Elektron is the latest firm to be acquired by private investment capital

Swedish manufacturer Elektron is no longer independent; Bonnier Capital has bought a controlling stake.

Peter Kirn - April 8, 2026

Native Instruments issues a statement; likely closer to acquisition

Native Instruments this morning issued a statement that its restructuring is moving along, including advancing insolvency proceedings and “an active M&A [mergers and acquisitions] process that is progressing well.” Translation for humans: there’s a good chance we’ll see NI acquired soon, and by some company or companies in the audio tech space.

Peter Kirn - March 19, 2026