Harman Expands Portfolio with Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz

The audio industry is witnessing a significant consolidation: Harman International has officially taken over Sound United, formerly the consumer audio division of Masimo Corporation. With this acquisition, Harman unites an even larger collection of prestigious brands, underlining its ambition to play a leading role in the premium audio sector. The portfolio now includes Sound United names such as Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics – joining Harman’s already strong lineup of AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, and Roon.

Key Facts

• Acquisition: Harman acquires Sound United, formerly part of Masimo Corporation
• Brands Added: Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, HEOS, Classé, Boston Acoustics
• Objective: Expand premium audio portfolio and strengthen global market leadership
• Structure: Sound United remains an independent Strategic Business Unit within Harman’s Lifestyle Division
• Existing Harman Brands: AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel
• Parent Company: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Strategic Importance of the Deal

According to Harman, the integration of Sound United marks a milestone that will expand its business across home audio, hi-fi electronics, AV receivers, headphones, and car audio. By combining forces with Sound United’s well-established brands, Harman will be able to offer one of the most comprehensive audio portfolios in the industry.

Independent Structure for Sound United

Within Harman’s Lifestyle Division, Sound United will operate as a dedicated Strategic Business Unit (SBU). This approach allows the individual brand identities to remain intact while benefitting from Harman’s global scale and resources.

“Harman’s vision is to create experiences that enrich people’s lives through outstanding audio. The remarkable range of Sound United’s brands reflects a deep passion for sound, innovation, and quality – values that perfectly align with ours. This transaction unlocks significant growth opportunities and reinforces our strategy of building on past successes to reach new heights as a global audio leader.”

Dave Rogers, President, Lifestyle Division at Harman

Stronger Together

Even before the acquisition, Harman already managed a renowned brand family including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, and Revel. The addition of Sound United brands adds even more weight, with names that have stood for audiophile performance and innovation for decades.

Conclusion

With the Sound United acquisition, Harman International sends a clear signal in the premium audio market. The company’s strategy is to offer consumers more choice and advanced technologies while preserving the unique identities of each brand. This solidifies Harman’s position as a global leader in high-end audio and connected solutions – particularly strengthening its influence in the rapidly growing automotive sector.