Harman, a subsidiary of Samsung, has acquired Masimo's audio business — Sound United — in a deal valued at $350 million. It will bring together companies such as Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics under one roof.
This expands Samsung's audio portfolio, which also includes brands JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG and others, which the South Korean tech giant acquired in 2016 for $8 billion.
"HARMAN’s vision is to create experiences that enrich people’s lives through exceptional audio experiences," said Dave Rogers, president of HARMAN's Lifestyle Division. "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. It bolsters HARMAN’s strategy to build on its unparalleled success story and scale to unprecedented heights as an audio leader."
Sound United will operate as a standalone strategic business unit within the Harman Lifestyle Division, while leveraging Harman’s global resources and scale to provide Sound United’s brands with greater reach and expanded capabilities.