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Harman Acquires Sound United for $350 Million

Harman acquires Sound United
Mark Chan/Unsplash

Samsung’s Harman Acquires Masimo’s Sound United for $350 Million

A Strategic Expansion in the Audio Market

Samsung Electronics’ subsidiary, Harman International, has announced the acquisition of Sound United, the consumer audio business of Masimo Corporation, in a deal valued at $350 million in cash. This move marks a significant expansion of Harman’s already robust audio technology portfolio and signals Samsung’s continued commitment to dominating the global audio market.

Sound United’s Impressive Brand Lineup

Sound United is the parent company of several well-known audio brands, including Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, and Bowers & Wilkins. These labels are renowned for their high-performance audio equipment and are staples among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts worldwide.

Strengthening Harman’s Consumer Reach

By acquiring Sound United, Harman significantly broadens its consumer base and product range. The acquisition enhances Harman’s capabilities in the home audio, premium speaker, and wireless headphone segments—areas that complement its existing portfolio of automotive and lifestyle audio solutions.

A Follow-Up to the Roon Acquisition

This is not Harman’s first strategic move in the audio domain. In 2023, the company acquired Roon, a music streaming and audio management platform known for its high-resolution music interface and user-centric design. Together, Roon and Sound United reinforce Harman’s end-to-end audio ecosystem.

Creating Synergies in Hardware and Software

The integration of Sound United’s hardware brands with Roon’s software platform opens the door to new synergies in smart audio experiences. Users may soon benefit from seamless multi-brand audio control, unified user interfaces, and improved connectivity across devices.

Expanding Samsung’s Audio Dominance

For parent company Samsung, this acquisition reflects a broader strategy of deepening its foothold in premium consumer electronics. By strengthening Harman’s influence in the high-end audio space, Samsung positions itself as a formidable competitor against the likes of Apple, Sonos, and Bose.

Responding to Changing Consumer Behavior

With global demand for premium audio experiences growing—driven by remote work, home entertainment, and high-resolution streaming—Harman’s acquisition of Sound United is timely. It aligns with evolving consumer preferences for immersive sound quality in both home and mobile environments.

Leveraging Distribution and Brand Equity

Sound United’s well-established distribution channels across North America, Europe, and Asia offer immediate market expansion opportunities for Harman. Additionally, the brand equity of Denon and Marantz adds credibility to Harman’s consumer-facing business strategies.

Leadership Statements on the Acquisition

In a joint statement, Harman CEO Michael Mauser emphasized the transformative nature of the deal: “Sound United’s impressive brand portfolio and industry leadership are a natural fit for Harman’s mission of delivering exceptional audio experiences. This acquisition accelerates our vision for smart and connected audio.”

Masimo’s Strategic Refocus

For Masimo, the divestiture of Sound United allows the healthcare technology company to sharpen its focus on core medical and wellness innovations. CEO Joe Kiani stated that the sale would enable Masimo to allocate more resources toward expanding its health monitoring and diagnostic portfolio.

Analyst Perspectives and Market Response

Industry analysts view the acquisition as a positive step for both parties. Harman gains greater scale and innovation potential in consumer audio, while Masimo realigns its portfolio. Financial markets responded favorably, with Samsung shares seeing a modest increase following the announcement.

Future Developments and Integration Plans

Harman has indicated that the integration of Sound United will be phased over several quarters, with an emphasis on maintaining brand integrity and ensuring continuity for existing customers and channel partners. No immediate changes to brand operations have been announced.

Driving Innovation Across Product Categories

The combined expertise of Harman and Sound United is expected to drive innovation in product categories such as wireless audio, soundbars, smart speakers, and high-fidelity systems. Joint R&D initiatives will focus on sustainability, connectivity, and acoustics.

Supporting the Professional Audio Segment

In addition to its consumer applications, the acquisition may bolster Harman’s professional audio division, which supplies sound systems to stadiums, venues, and broadcasters. Brands like Bowers & Wilkins are well-regarded in the recording and cinema industries.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Audio Leadership

Samsung’s Harman acquisition of Sound United for $350 million is a bold move that cements its position as a leader in global audio innovation. With powerful synergies, expanded market reach, and a diversified product lineup, Harman is poised to shape the future of high-quality sound across platforms and industries.

 

Written By

Isabel Hampton is a talented author at Bee Bumble Entertainment Magazine. With a passion for the arts and a keen eye for cultural trends, she brings a unique perspective to her articles. Isabel's engaging writing style and insightful reviews have made her a valued contributor to the magazine's vibrant entertainment coverage.

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