Samsung confirms that it is in the process of acquiring premium audio equipment manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins. A purchase that should have a positive impact on sound quality across the manufacturer's entire catalog. And which demonstrates the brand's growing commitment to this area.
Samsung is no stranger to acquiring high-end audio specialists. In 2017, the company already acquired Harman International, which owns the famous Harman/Kardon brand. It also acquired JBL, AKG, Mark Levinson, and Revel.
This is an extremely important strategic position for the manufacturer, which focuses on quality audio in several of its activities. The issue has indeed become a major one for the Galaxy S, Flip, and Fold smartphones, in particular. Or even for the Galaxy Buds True Wireless earphones.
Samsung is strengthening its position in high-end audio
Not to mention other activities of the brand such as televisions, soundbars, and connected speakers. Beyond that, becoming a heavyweight in audio is the condition for making the SmartThings connected object ecosystem viable. This is something the brand can accelerate by acquiring other major players in the sector.
And, surprise (!), this is precisely what Samsung has just achieved once again. Samsung's Harman division has announced that it has signed a contract in the United States to acquire the brands around the famous Bowers & Wilkins brand for $350 million.
Specifically, Harman has signed the acquisition of Masimo, which owns the Boston Acoustics, Bowers & Wilkins, and other brands. Wilkins, Classé, Definitive Technology, Denon, HEOS, Marantz, and Polk Audio. Bowers & Wilkins is arguably the most well-known name of the bunch, along with Denon and Marantz. The brand was founded in 1966 in England.
And has become known for the excellence of its products, which include high-end headphones, home theater systems, and, more recently, a range of wireless speakers. Until then, Bowers & Wilkins technologies were aimed at a fairly privileged audience, especially in the HiFi sector.
The Nautilus line of speakers sells for over $100,000. Samsung's Harman CEO explains: "Harman is proud to have become a world-class audio company with a 75-year history, and we believe the acquisition of another luxury audio brand, Bowers & Wilkins, will further strengthen Harman's position as a true audio giant."
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