Masimo Finds Buyer for Consumer Audio Business

Masimo acquired Sound United (Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Polk Audio, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics) back in 2022 for a deal that was said at the time to be worth over US$1.03 billion.
Click to expand...
Masimo Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its consumer audio business to HARMAN International, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung, for an aggregate purchase price of US$350 million in cash, "subject to certain adjustments".
Click to expand...

That's a hit of about $700 million ... :unsure::confused:


.
 
At least Harman / Samsung will know a bit about that kind of business. Masimo did not. A fancy Pulse Ox machine, and too much money, did not make them good investors.
 
I just hope the main brands like Marantz, Denon and B&W get to retain their identity. Harman tends to share technology amongst the brands which you might feel is smart but IMO too much in some instances. You might also ask where is HK receivers now or Lexicon. You might also ask what's under the hood of the expanding JBL electronics. It would be interesting to get others views but when I look at a product I want to know it's the same ancestry. Keep the bloodline pure. I don't see a problem with sharing like a streaming platform or something.

You have to wonder if the company is willing to put money into Def Tech or Boston in order to make them competitive again. I do think Def Tech introduced a new speaker not so long ago. Classe has been struggling what will this mean for them? A well recognized high quality brand though so hopefully Samsung won't mind applying some funds. I'd have to double check I believe Boston still makes car speakers.

Should be interesting to watch how things play out. Levinson is showing new gear in Munich.
 
Here's a bit of a discussion on the matter. Seems Harman(Samsung) got a sweetheart deal on the purchase. The writer muses some SU lines may be phased out due to overlap, I'm not so sure though, one example was Revel and B&W, but IMO the two lines are different enough they both should be able to survive. One might even argue B&W has more recognition over Revel in the market place. I'd hate to see it but the writer may have a point with receivers. Although IMO Marantz and Denon has more market recognition than Arcam or JBL, I'm talking your average consumer.

www.strata-gee.com

Masimo Sells Sound United to Harman; Excited? Temper Your Enthusiasm

Masimo has announced the long-anticipated sale of Sound United to Harman Industries - a division of Samsung Electronics for $350 million
www.strata-gee.com www.strata-gee.com
 
Masimo bought Sound United for $1.05 Bn in 2022. Sold it to Harmon for $350 M in 2025.

That’s the way to make millions in audio manufacturing. Not. :)

Was it a bargain at $350M? Dunno. Sometimes after buying a bargain you find you are catching a falling knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top