Known for its screens, smartphones, and even household appliances, Samsung has just completed a transaction that could reshuffle the cards in the audio landscape. Already the owner of AKG and JBL through its subsidiary Harman, the Korean firm has just announced the acquisition of Masimo's consumer audio business. This transaction amounts to $350 million, or approximately €308 million. It allows Samsung, through Harman, to get its hands on a portfolio of iconic audio brands.
Samsung expands its "Galaxy" with renowned brands
The South Korean giant is acquiring several premium audio flagships such as Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and Polk Audio. The acquisition significantly strengthens the Korean giant's audio ecosystem, from smartphones to connected living rooms.
If you're not very familiar with these names, Bowers & Wilkins, founded in 1966 in England, is a brand known for products such as Nautilus speakers and PX7 headphones. Denon is a leading name in AV receivers and turntables, while Marantz is renowned for its high-end amplifiers. For Samsung, this acquisition confirms the Korean company's desire to move beyond its traditional businesses and now aim for the pinnacle of hi-fi. Dave Rogers, president of Harman's Lifestyle division, said the acquisition represents a "strategic step in expanding Harman's audio business" and its footprint in key categories such as home audio, headphones, hi-fi components, and car audio. Samsung plans to integrate these audio technologies into all of its products, including Galaxy smartphones, soundbars, TVs, and wireless headphones, and to expand its car audio business. The objective is to "solidify [its] position as the absolute reference in global audio" and to "solidify its position as world number 1 in the consumer audio market".
The transaction is a definitive agreement and is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. Its closing is subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.
0 Comments