AceZone go bankrupt; Phoenix company established

Headset manufacturer, AceZone, have entered liquidation following bankruptcy proceedings. However, a successor company has already been founded, having purchased the intellectual property to their products.

AceZone have become well-known in esports, especially amongst Counter-Strike players, as active noise cancelled (ANC) headsets can often be seen being worn by players and tournament staff. ANC became a major technological leap for esports, preventing the need to soundproof playing areas.

Additionally, tournament staff can assess the lights on the side of the headset to ensure the headsets are configured properly for competition, with the coach muted unless it is a timeout.

AceZone is ubiquitous in esports, so what went wrong?

What happened to AceZone?

According to Danish publication, Arkaden, the board of directors determined that “the bankruptcy is the result of a strategic collapse and declining sales.” Adding, “During July, it became clear that the necessary capital base to continue Acezone could not be obtained.”

Unable to maintain its debt, the company entered bankruptcy proceedings and was declared bankrupt on July 16. The board then resigned, and trustees were appointed to manage the company.

Shortly after, on July 28 successor company, AceZone International ApS, was founded by a former board member, and now director of the phoenix company, Christian Poulsen.

As to why the company can continue to use the same branding and seemingly the same product following bankruptcy, according to Poulsen via Arkaden, the managing trustee invited former owners to purchase AceZone’s assets during liquidation. Having done so, Poulsen hopes that the bankruptcy is merely a “14-day hiccup.”

Indeed, you would barely know the former company is bankrupt, as the website still functions, and new orders can seemingly still be made as of the time of this publication.

As such, Poulsen aims to maintain customer service and warranty services while the company transitions to the phoenix company. Poulsen told Arkaden that employees would not go without their wages due to their Employees’ Guarantee Fund.

With some employees already part of the new company, it seems to be ‘work as normal’ for the most part. Despite that, it is unclear what strategic direction will be taken to improve AceZone’s overall trajectory following the bankruptcy, and what steps will be taken to prevent a further collapse.

In any case, there is no reason to suspect the recent news will affect the esports world, with product sales and support remaining intact for the time being.