Harman acquires Bowers & Wilkins, Marantz, and Denon in consumer audio business sale by Masimo
Harman International Acquires Masimo's Consumer Audio Division: A Major Shift in the Audio Market
In a significant move for the consumer audio industry, Harman International, a Samsung subsidiary, has agreed to acquire Masimo's consumer audio division for $350 million. This acquisition brings together some of the industry's most respected brands, including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics, under Harman's umbrella.
The acquisition strengthens Harman’s core Lifestyle Audio division and expands its footprint across key product categories including home audio, headphones, stereo components, and car audio. According to Dave Rogers, president of Harman's Lifestyle division, the acquisition is a strategic step forward in expanding Harman's core audio business.
For the brands involved, joining Harman means alignment with a major global audio player known for a diverse portfolio. This could provide better distribution, marketing muscle, and shared technology platforms. The combined brands are expected to deliver complementary audio products and offer more choices to consumers.
Masimo, on the other hand, is refocusing on its core professional healthcare segment, making the sale a strategic realignment for the company. The deal values Sound United at $350 million, notably less than Masimo’s $1.025 billion purchase price in 2022.
The consolidation strengthens Harman’s competitiveness by integrating high-end brands with its mainstream offerings. It potentially leads to greater innovation and resource sharing, leveraging combined R&D and marketing strengths. Moreover, with Samsung’s backing, it may result in more integrated product ecosystems.
The acquisition marks a major industry consolidation that could reshape competitive dynamics by bringing together prestigious audio brands under one roof, enhancing Harman’s role in the high-fidelity and lifestyle audio markets, and potentially benefiting consumers through expanded product choices and innovations.
As for the quality of Bowers & Wilkins products, they appear to remain strong, with their speakers and headphones arguably stronger than ever on the performance-value front. The sale of Bowers & Wilkins to Harman International has occurred, and their five-star wireless headphones have been added to the list of the best wireless headphones.
In May 2025, a list of 7 exciting hi-fi and AV products being tested is available. Contact has been made with Masimo and Harman to gather more information about the sale's implications for customers. The consumer audio market is expected to grow from $60.8 billion this year to $70 billion in 2029.
[1] Harman International Press Release
[2] Masimo Press Release
[3] The Verge
- The news of Harman International's acquisition of Masimo's consumer audio division has generated excitement in the industry, with brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and more now under Harman's umbrella.
- Munich is set to host an event where the combined brands are expected to preview new products, offering consumers more choices and potentially innovative solutions in the audio market.
- The speaker lineup for the event includes executives from Harman and Masimo, who will discuss the deal's details and implications for brands, consumers, and the industry.
- Given the integration of prestigious brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Denon, this acquisition may result in deals between these brands and other big names in the audio market, such as amplifier manufacturers.
- Tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting reviews of the new products, as the combined brands promise a fusion of technology, lifestyle, and finance, cementing their position in the high-fidelity audio market.
- With the acquisition, Harman aims to strengthen its position in the show circuit, displaying its range of products at various events, from home audio showcases to car audio expos.
- Headphone users can expect improved models from brands like Bowers & Wilkins, as the acquisition promises greater resource sharing and innovation in the design and manufacturing of audio products.
- Finance analysts predict a positive impact on Harman's revenue due to the acquisition, with the consumer audio market projected to grow significantly in the next few years, reaching approximately $70 billion in 2029.
- In the wake of the acquisition, both Harman and Masimo have released press statements, providing insights into the deal's financial terms and strategic rationale, while: ['The Verge', 'Harman International Press Release', 'Masimo Press Release'] have published their interpretations and opinions on the matter, offering valuable insights into the industry consolidation and its potential impact on lifestyle, technology, and the broader audio market.
