As a model of hearing care delivery, retail chains of practices are now the dominant model across much of Western and Central Europe. Traditional models and, crucially, independent practices are being squeezed and erased. Accelerating consolidation away from fragmented older models, Demant’s €700million acquisition of KIND’s 650-plus stores dramatically shifts the balance in Germany and Central Europe. The bigger picture revolves around how strategically desirable the move is seen by other entities in the hearing market with the clout to seal such deals.

 

What could a consolidation of retail models mean for the UK?

 

Demant President and CEO, Søren Nielsen described the KIND-Demant amalgamation as “a unique strategic fit”. He may well do that, given the hold it gives Demant now in Central Europe, but although the deal itself is not UK-focused, what signals does it send across the sector ?

In the UK, Amplifon has over 150 hearing centres, and Specsavers has now climbed to 953 centres offering hearing services. It is noteworthy that KIND also operates in eyecare.

If this “unique strategic fit” of Demant becomes a more widespread movement, could we see Demant or other big hearing outfits seeking UK expansion, either organically or via acquisition? Today, Demant has only minimal direct presence in hearing health retail in the UK (via its Audika brand).

Any such market ebullience would mean independent audiologists feeling growing pressure from vertically integrated giants which, as in the case of Demant, are also producers of devices. But growing retail competition has other implications for the market, such as competition questions that might arise around choice being limited or fittings becoming brand-preferential. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) might pay close attention, and the dynamic could also involve NHS procurement bodies.

If the stage is set for action in the retail arena, hang on to your holsters. The signs are that KIND acquisition is not just a German or Danish story; it could be a starting pistol for a race of retail-led, vertically integrated consolidation of audiology, and a disruptive period for a landscape peopled by NHS and major high-street players.

 

An impressive purchase for Demant

 

Consider the dynamics: Amplifon is the world’s largest hearing aid retailer. The Italy-based group’s global share of the retail hearing market share of  ~ 11% to 13% (Amplifon claims 13% on its website) is accompanied by impressive figures of 10,000 points of sale and 20,900 employees. Compare this with the KIND purchase by the Danish hearing aid manufacturer; key word manufacturer, because it means they make the hearing aids they sell.

According to our sister publication, Audio Infos (Germany), financially, Demant expects a sales contribution of around 300 million euros from KIND from 2026, with organic growth in line with global market growth of four to six percent annually. KIND is one of the leading hearing aid providers worldwide. The acquisition is the largest in Demant’s history and expands the group’s global network to over 4,500 hearing care specialist stores.

Importantly, KIND is already known for high-quality service, transparent advice, and a customer-oriented focus, and Demant and KIND already have a long-standing partnership of over 20 years and shared values such as trust, care and a spirit of innovation. Nice vibes for such a large investment!

Source: Audio Infos Germany; Audiology News UK issue 15 July-August 2025