Samsung Electronics-ägda Harman Group äger idag ljudmärken såsom Harman Kardon, JBL, AKG, Mark Levinson samt Arcam och nu meddelar man att en ny storaffär ägt rum. Harman köpte precis Masimo International och äger därmed även Denon, Marantz, Classé, Polk Audio, Boston Acoustics och Bowers & Wilkins, vilket naturligtvis gör dem till världens överlägset största grupp sett till samlade, namnstarka ljudmärken. Priset för affären? 3,5 miljarder kronor + aktier i Harman.
Dave Rogers, Harman:
"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. It complements our existing strengths and opens new avenues for growth. Sound United'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. 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."
Harman (Samsung) äger nu i stort sett allting som låter, i hela världen.