The audio industry is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. In this context, Samsung Electronics has taken a bold step by acquiring Masimo’s Sound United consumer audio business for a staggering $350 million.
The Acquisition: A Strategic Move for Samsung
According to Samsung, its audio subsidiary Harman International plans to close the transaction by the end of this year, marking a strategic step forward in expanding its core audio business and footprint across key product categories such as home audio, headphones, hi-fi components, and car audio.
- The consumer audio market is expected to reach $70 billion by 2029, from $60.8 billion in 2025.
- The acquisition will enable Harman to further solidify its leadership in the fast-growing global audio market.
In a statement, Dave Rogers, president of Harman’s lifestyle division, said,
“This acquisition represents a strategic step forward in the expansion of Harman’s core audio business and footprint across key product categories such as home audio, headphones, hi-fi components and car audio.”
The Acquisition: A Comprehensive Overview
The acquisition marks Samsung’s largest since the Korean electronics giant bought Harman for $8 billion in 2016. Harman’s portfolio of world-class audio brands, including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz, will join Harman’s iconic family of brands, including JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Mark Levinson, Arcam, and Revel.
| Brand | Category |
|---|---|
| Bowers & Wilkins | Luxury audio |
| Denon | Home theater and audio equipment |
| Marantz | High-performance amplifiers and receivers |
The Benefits of the Acquisition
According to Samsung, the acquisition will strengthen the competitiveness of its mobile and TV sound and audio technologies, while creating synergy for consumer experiences. The company has improved the sound quality of its smartphones, tablets, laptops, and earphones, utilizing Harman’s sound tuning technologies and expertise.
- The acquisition will enable Samsung to expand its portfolio with B&W and other brands to offer excellent audio experiences and sound services to automakers and consumers.
- The audio business acquisition will strengthen Samsung’s competitiveness in the market.
The Future of Audio
The acquisition marks a significant milestone in the audio industry, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. Samsung emphasized that the audio business acquisition will create new avenues for growth and strengthen the competitiveness of its mobile and TV sound and audio technologies. According to Samsung, the consumer audio market is expected to reach $70 billion by 2029, from $60.8 billion in 2025. The company plans to expand its portfolio with B&W and other brands to offer excellent audio experiences and sound services to automakers and consumers. In a statement, Dave Rogers said,
“Built on a shared legacy of innovation and excellence in audio technology, this combined family of brands, together with the talented employees of both companies, will deliver complementary audio products, strengthen our value proposition and offer more choices to consumers.”
Definition of Terms
The audio industry refers to the production, distribution, and consumption of audio content, including music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
Harman International is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics that specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of high-quality audio products.
Sound United is a consumer audio business that was acquired by Masimo and is now being acquired by Samsung.
The consumer audio market refers to the market for audio products and services designed for consumer use, including home audio systems, headphones, and earphones.
The portable audio market refers to the market for audio products and services designed for portable use, including headphones, earphones, and music players.
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