Samsung has expanded its audio division by acquiring several well-known hi-fi brands. Its subsidiary Harman has completed the purchase of Sound United, previously part of Masimo, in a deal worth US$350 million. The move significantly broadens Samsung’s audio portfolio, which already includes JBL and Harman Kardon.
Major audio brands join Samsung’s line-up
The acquisition, first announced in May, brings Sound United’s collection of respected brands under Harman’s umbrella. The line-up includes Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics. These names now sit alongside JBL, Harman Kardon, and other brands Samsung gained when it acquired Harman for US$8 billion in 2016.
Industry observers say the deal strengthens Samsung’s position in the premium audio market by combining heritage names known for innovation and sound quality with Harman’s global reach.
Harman highlights shared values
Harman’s lifestyle lead, Dave Rogers, welcomed the move, highlighting the alignment between the two companies. “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,” Rogers said in a statement. “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.”
The company confirmed that Sound United will continue to operate as a standalone business under Harman’s lifestyle division. This structure is designed to allow each brand to retain its own identity while benefiting from Harman’s resources and scale.
Masimo shifts focus after divestment
With the sale finalised, Sound United’s former parent company, Masimo, will now turn its attention to other priorities. The company is currently engaged in a legal dispute with Apple. In August, Masimo filed a lawsuit against US Customs and Border Protection in relation to the Apple Watch, a case that is expected to draw significant attention in the months ahead.
For Samsung, the completion of this deal marks another step in building a dominant position in the global audio market. By adding some of the most respected names in consumer and professional audio to its line-up, the company has reinforced its long-term strategy of integrating high-quality audio into its wider technology ecosystem.
