Samsung Finalizes Sound United Acquisition Deal, Now Owns 21 Audio Brands

Samsung’s audio arm, Harman, has now completed the acquisition of Sound United, the audio division formerly owned by Masimo. The deal, valued at $350 million, was first announced in May and brings a large group of well-known audio brands into Harman’s portfolio.

Samsung now owns 21 audio brands, including eight from Sound United portfolio

Sound United owns eight popular brands: Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics. With these added, Samsung now controls 21 audio brands, including existing names like JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Lexicon, and Infinity. This now makes Samsung one of the biggest players in the global audio market.

Harman said that Sound United will operate as a separate business unit under its lifestyle division. This approach allows each brand to keep its unique identity and customer base while benefiting from Harman’s global resources. The company hopes to use the combined technologies from all these brands in products such as Galaxy smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, earbuds, soundbars, and speakers.

In a press release, Harman’s President of Lifestyle Division, Dave Rogers, was quoted saying as the following:

“HARMAN’s vision is to create experiences that enrich people’s lives through exceptional audio experiences. Sound United’s impressive roster of brands is rooted in a deep passion for sound, innovation, and commitment to quality that aligns with HARMAN’s own values. This transaction unlocks meaningful growth opportunities for everyone. It bolsters HARMAN’s strategy to build on its unparalleled success story and scale to unprecedented heights as an audio leader.”