Samsung Electronics’ subsidiary HARMAN International is acquiring Masimo Corporation’s consumer audio division for $350 million in cash to strengthen its global leading position in the consumer audio market, both companies announced Tuesday.
The deal brings prestigious brands including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, and Definitive Technology under HARMAN’s umbrella in a transaction expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
For Masimo, this represents a significant shift in strategy and a steep markdown from the $1.025 billion it paid to acquire these brands in 2022 as the medical technology company pivots back to focusing on its core healthcare business.
“This acquisition represents a strategic step forward in the expansion of HARMAN’s core audio business,” said Dave Rogers, President of HARMAN’s Lifestyle division. The move bolsters HARMAN’s already dominant portfolio, which includes JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, and Mark Levinson.
Industry analysts note HARMAN, which reportedly holds a 60% share of the portable audio market plans to fold the acquired brands into its Lifestyle division. The acquisition comes as Samsung pursues “meaningful” mergers and acquisitions to address investor concerns about growth.
The global consumer audio market is projected to grow from $60.8 billion in 2025 to $70 billion by 2029 as HARMAN continues expanding its influence through strategic acquisitions.
