On January 6, the Sonova Holding AG acquires InSound Medical Inc. and adds a revolutionary new hearing system, called Lyric, to its portfolio.

In December, Sonova acquires Advanced Bionics Corporation - a global leader in developing and manufacturing cochlear implant systems.

On August 1, Phonak Holding AG is renamed to Sonova Holding AG.
Phonak Group sales hit the one billion CHF mark.
Opening of a manufacturing facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Founding of Phonak Acoustic Implants in Lausanne dedicated to develop the middle-ear implant DACS (Direct Acoustical Cochlear Stimulation).

Launch of the Hear the World initiative from Phonak. This initiative aims to educate the general public about the importance of hearing, the social and emotional impacts and the benefits of available solutions for those with hearing loss.The initiative also covers the Hear the World Foundation. The Foundation will support charitable organizations and projects focused on helping people with hearing loss.

In April, the Phonak Group acquires Island Hearing Services, the leading distributor of hearing devices in Canada.

In October, the Phonak Group acquires a controlling interest in CAS Produtos Médicos Ltda., the market leader for wholesale and retail of hearing instruments in Brazil.

The Group establishes a new sales organization in Australia, the Hearing Retail Group.

The Phonak Group acquires Viennatone Hörgeräte GmbH to join Phonak’s existing Austrian retail organisation Hansaton.

In China, the Group establishes a new sales organization, iHear, by integrating the former Phonak and Unitron Hearing distributors to strengthen its presence in this important market.

Opening of a manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China.

CEO Peter Pfluger leaves Phonak. New CEO Dr. Valentin Chapero Rueda joins the company on October 1, 2002.

Acquisition of Hansaton Akustische Geräte GmbH on April 1st, 2001.

Peter Pfluger takes the place of Andy Rihs as CEO of the Phonak Group. Andy Rihs continues as Chairman of the Board.
Acquisition of world's seventh largest, Canadian-based hearing instrument manufacturer Unitron Industries Ltd. This catapults the new Phonak Group among the three industry leaders.

Opening of the new Technology Center in Stäfa.
Beda Diethelm, technical director (COO) and co-founder of the company, withdraws from operational activities. He is succeeded by Peter Pfluger. 

Acquisition of the Belgian company Lapperre. 

For the first time, Phonak Group sales exceed CHF 100 million.
Going public (November 1994); approximately 20% of the shares are made available to the public. 

Founding of Phonak Communications in Murten for the expansion of activities in the field of wireless communication.

Founding of a Phonak distribution company in the USA. 

Move into new premises ("Phonak House") in Stäfa. 

Founding of Phonak Holding AG, as the holding company for the Phonak Group.

Following the death of Ernst Rihs, his shares are taken over by his two sons. Beda Diethelm becomes a shareholder with equal rights. 

Founding of the first foreign distribution companies in Germany and France.

Acquisition of all shares by Ernst Rihs. Beda Diethelm enters the company, followed by Andy Rihs and some years later by Hans-Ueli Rihs. A new business era begins. 

Founding of "AG für Elektroakustik" with its head office in Zurich by a Franco-Belgian group of investors.