1980s
Focal-JMlab, a research office dedicated to acoustics was founded in 1979 in Paris by engineer, high-fidelity enthusiast and technology journalist Jacques Mahul.[15] He began making his first speaker drivers in a small workshop in Saint-Etienne, at a precision mechanics company, which belonged to his father. Whilst producing his speaker drivers, Jacques Mahul also launched his own range of loudspeakers under the brand JMlab. His first loudspeaker, the DB13, was a bookshelf loudspeaker, which produced volumes comparable to larger loudspeakers, particularly in bass frequencies. Initially, he only sold his product to acquaintances but the DB13 was soon launched on the market.
In the 1980s, the two brands became established. Focal focused on innovation, producing specialised products such as the polyglass "V" cone and Polykevlar cone. The materials used on the tweeter evolved from glass fibres to Kevlar, producing a more linear frequency response curve and a smoother and less piercing treble. As for JMlab, the company went from being a manufacturer of small-and medium-sized loudspeakers to a manufacturer of high-end models.
1990s
Things rapidly began to pick up speed in 1990 with the arrival of Gérard Chrétien, another high-end, high-fidelity enthusiast and editor-in-chief of the magazine L’Audiophile since 1977. He was also the managing director and marketing director of Focal-JMlab. By adapting the company's products to the demands of the consumer, the brand soon earned its role as a leader in the French loudspeaker market.[16] The company's turnover increased from €9 million in 1992 to €26 million in 2000.[17]
It was also in the early 1990s that the company implemented an export strategy for its loudspeakers across Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. The brand's reputation on the international stage was reinforced by various awards. The JMlab Vega model was voted "Loudspeaker of the Year, 1992" in Japan[18] and in 1996, the Grande Utopia model was praised by the international press.[19]
2000s
In 2002, production was relocated to Saint-Etienne, where about three-quarters of production still takes place. The aim is to equip every loudspeaker with "Made in France" speaker drivers.
In 2003, the two brands were incorporated under the name Focal-JMlab for home products, before being renamed as just Focal in 2005 for all product sectors.
Also in 2003, the company began collaborating with Paris-based design agency Pineau & Le Porcher. By combining sound quality and aesthetics, this move made Focal-JMlab products lifestyle loudspeakers in their own right and also gave the company a brand signature. Thus, Focal and Pineau & Le Porcher worked in close collaboration to come up with a completely new design for various ranges: Profile and Electra (2005), Chorus (2006), Utopia (2008) and Dome (2009).[20]
In 2007, the company bought up the Guy HF cabinet-making facility located in Bourbon-Lancy, Saône-et-Loire.
2010s
In 2011, Focal-JMlab merged with Naim Audio Limited, the leading high-end electronics brand in the UK, which mainly designs and manufactures audio electronics. The new holding company, Vervent Audio Group, owns and manages the two brands. However, both brands remain independent with their own specific philosophies and their own respective ranges and products.[21]
The two companies began consolidating their activities in 2013, with their presence on a common stand at the High-End Show in Munich.[22]
In 2011, Focal adopted a new visual identity and finally, in 2012, built a showroom and a new auditorium at its site in Saint-Étienne.
In 2014, Focal&Naim Group was taken over by its management team, Naxicap Partners (major shareholder), Aquasourca and Garibaldi Participations. Jacques Mahul remains involved and becomes Focal-JMlab Vice-President.[23] The same year, Focal is recognized by the French state thanks to The Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company). A label issued by the French Minister for Economy, Finances and Industry to recognize the excellence of traditional and industrial skills in French firms.[24]
2020s
In 2019, Alpha Private Equity acquired a majority stake in Vervent Audio Group, which was later renamed Vervent Audio Holding. Cédrick Boutonet became the chairman and CEO, and the subsidiaries Focal Naim America and Focal Naim Canada were established.[26][27]
The same year saw the launch of a worldwide network of Focal Powered by Naim shops, with the first openings in Seoul (South Korea) and Lyon (France). These shops, shop-in-shops and corners dedicated to the Focal and Naim brands offer customers a brand experience. The FPBN network comprises more than 50 stores across North America, Europe and Asia.[26][28]
In January 2024, Focal became a member of the Comité Colbert, which promotes French expertise and excellence.[12]
