Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 12, 2012. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
According to Gary Greenfield, President and CEO of Avid, the reason for the closures is a restructuring program intended to make Avid "stronger and more agile." In numerical terms, Avid therefore intends to part with 20% of its employees. The Sibelius branch in London was already closed at the end of July. However, the closure is making industry insiders sit up and take notice. According to insiders, the employees are said to have been surprised by the closure. There was no reason, since the notation software is still widely used and generates profits. According to insider sources, toward the end of July the original founders tried to buy Sibelius back, but Avid declined. Experts conclude that Avid will continue to sell Sibelius on the market, but development will be carried out through outsourcing from cheaper locations. The iNews newsroom solution will likewise not disappear from the market because, according to US media, Avid intends to retain 16 employees, although they are to work from home.
Whether a form of cheaper outsourcing could also be considered here remains speculation for the time being. Industry insiders assume that iNews no longer aligns with Avid’s development focus and that the branch will therefore be closed at the end of September 2012.
