Harman International, the wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, announced it completed the acquisition of Sound United Co., the former consumer audio business of Masimo Corporation.
The Sound United list of brands includes Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé and Boston Acoustics.
The purchase gives Harman one of the most extensive portfolios of audio brands, ranging from premium audio to headphones to car audio.
Sound United will operate as a standalone business unit within Harman’s Lifestyle Division. “This structure ensures that each brand’s heritage, expertise, and loyal customer base remain central to their identity,” said a Harman press announcement.
The company said that with “Harman’s global resources and scale, Sound United’s brands will gain greater reach with enhanced capabilities, while continuing to realize their distinct goals and better succeed in the marketplace.”
Dave Rogers, president of Harman’s Lifestyle Division said, “Sound United’s impressive roster of brands is rooted in a deep passion for sound, innovation, and commitment to quality that aligns with Harman’s own values. This transaction unlocks meaningful growth opportunities for everyone…”
Am confident this transition will be properly managed, as Harmon is an established, premium audio conglomerate, and has a proven ‘track-record’ for adding upscale brands to their (now Samsung) portfolio, while retaining the integrity of each brand’s unique personality. I would anticipate this will be significantly less turbulent transition, compared to what we have all witnessed during the past year, with that ‘other’ substantial audio company acquisition. Relevant experience clearly matters — but as is typically the case; “Time will tell.”
Wow!