Native Instruments Moves Toward Formal Insolvency Amid Active Acquisition Talks

Native Instruments CEO Nick Williams confirmed on March 19 that the Berlin-based company and several of its German entities are transitioning from preliminary insolvency into formal insolvency proceedings, while simultaneously disclosing that an active acquisition process is underway with what he described as "strong interest from multiple parties with deep roots in audio and technology."

The move represents a significant escalation in the legal restructuring of one of the most recognizable names in music production software and hardware. "As part of the restructuring process, Native Instruments GmbH and a number of our German entities will shortly be moving through expected legal steps, including transitioning from 'preliminary insolvency' into formal 'insolvency' proceedings where applicable," Williams wrote on the company blog. "These are expected steps in the process we are working through."

The preliminary insolvency itself was not new. Court documents from the Charlottenburg Local Court in Berlin confirmed back on January 27 that Native Instruments Group GmbH had entered preliminary insolvency proceedings under German law. Peter Kirn of CDM reported at the time that Prof. Dr. Torsten Martini had been listed as a preliminary insolvency administrator for the company. Under German insolvency law, a preliminary insolvency filing does not automatically trigger liquidation or halt trading; rather, the court moves to stabilize the business while an independent assessment takes place.

What the March 19 update added was both a legal status change and a notable degree of commercial optimism from Williams. "We are currently in an active M&A process that is progressing well, with strong interest from multiple parties with deep roots in audio and technology," he wrote. "We see a clear path to achieve our goal to provide continuity for creators, customers, and partners." No potential buyers were named.

The stakes extend well beyond Komplete and Maschine. Native Instruments sits inside the Soundwide group alongside iZotope, Plugin Alliance, and Brainworx, meaning any structural break-up or acquisition of the parent entity could have ripple effects across all four brands. Williams was explicit that operations remain intact across the group: "Business continues as usual across Native Instruments, iZotope, Plugin Alliance, and Brainworx. Our products, platforms, services, downloads, and customer service remain fully available." Support and firmware updates for hardware, including DJ controllers, are continuing as well.

The January news generated significant anxiety across the NI user base, communities built over years around tools like Kontakt, Reaktor, and Traktor. Williams acknowledged that community response since then had been a source of resolve: "What gives me confidence in our future isn't just the progress we're making - it's also the extraordinary passion and dedication of the entire team here at Native Instruments. We continue to deliver every day, building and shipping products, and looking after our customers."

Whether the M&A process concludes before formal insolvency proceedings fully open for all affected entities remains the central uncertainty. Williams offered no timeline, closing only with a commitment to transparency: "We'll continue to share significant updates as we have them.