Samsung, through its subsidiary Harman, has agreed to buy the audio division of the American corporation Masimo, which includes the legendary brands Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz and Polk Audio. The deal amounted to $350 million, and the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
Image source: news.samsung.com
The deal will bring together such well-known brands as JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Mark Levinson, Revel and Arcam, and now Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz and Polk Audio under one roof. As The Verge recalls, in 2016, Samsung acquired Harman for $8 billion, which has since become a key link in its development strategy in the consumer and automotive audio market. Now, the South Korean tech giant plans to integrate premium solutions into all of its devices.
Masimo Vice Chairman Quentin Koffey explained that finding a new owner for the audio division was one of the priorities. At the same time, Samsung emphasized in an official statement that it intends to strengthen its leadership in the global consumer audio market by combining the assets of Harman and Masimo. This is not only about consumer electronics, but also about the development of the automotive sector, where Bowers & Wilkins already cooperates with premium auto brands.
Dave Rogers, president of Harman’s consumer electronics business, said he is confident that the deal will strengthen the company’s position in the market. “Harman is proud to have grown into a world-class audio company with a 75-year history, and we expect that the acquisition of another luxury audio brand will strengthen Harman’s position as a true leader in this field,” Rogers said.