{ "schemaVersion": "1.3.0", "language": "en", "slug": "harman-international-industries", "brandKey": "harmaninternationalindustries", "canonicalName": "Harman International Industries", "canonicalUrl": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries", "jsonUrl": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries/json", "markdownUrl": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries/md", "name": "Harman International Industries", "oneLiner": "American audio, connected-technology, automotive, and professional-solutions company operating as an independent subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.", "summary": "Harman International Industries, commonly known as Harman, is an American technology company whose businesses span consumer audio, professional audio, automotive systems, connected technologies, and lighting. The company traces its origins to Harman Kardon, founded in 1953 by engineers Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon after their work at public-address-equipment manufacturer Bogen. The founders initially focused on high-fidelity audio equipment, helping establish a business that later became a broad portfolio of audio and technology brands.\n\nHarman’s development was shaped by acquisitions and changes in ownership. Sidney Harman bought out Bernard Kardon in 1956 and expanded Harman Kardon. During the 1970s, Harman entered the administration of President Jimmy Carter as United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce and sold the company to Beatrice Foods to avoid a conflict of interest. After leaving government in 1978, he created Harman International Industries and reacquired several businesses that had previously been sold to Beatrice. The company then pursued an acquisition-led growth strategy across consumer and professional audio.\n\nHarman became a public company in 1986 through a New York Stock Exchange offering. The proceeds supported purchases including Soundcraft, DOD Electronics, Infinity, Epicure, Allen & Heath, dbx, Studer, Lexicon, AKG, BSS, Orban, Quested, and Turbosound. Later additions expanded the portfolio into premium home audio, control systems, lighting, software, and automotive technology. Madrigal Audio Laboratories brought brands such as Mark Levinson and Revel into the group. Harman acquired Martin Professional in 2013, adding professional lighting, and AMX in 2014, strengthening its control and automation capabilities.\n\nThe company broadened its automotive business in 2015 by acquiring Bang & Olufsen’s automotive division, while its purchases of Symphony Teleca and Redbend added software engineering, cloud, mobility, analytics, connected-device management, and over-the-air update capabilities. The 2016 acquisition of TowerSec extended the company’s automotive cybersecurity capabilities. These moves reflected Harman’s shift from being primarily an audio-equipment group toward a technology supplier for connected vehicles and connected environments.\n\nSamsung Electronics agreed to acquire Harman in November 2016 for $8 billion in cash. Harman shareholders approved the transaction in February 2017, and the deal closed on March 10, 2017. Harman has since operated as an independent subsidiary of Samsung while retaining its own brand portfolio and business identity. Its brands include JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Mark Levinson, Revel, Lexicon, Crown, Soundcraft, Studer, BSS Audio, AMX, Martin, Arcam, and others. The company serves consumers, recording and live-production professionals, businesses, automakers, and vehicle occupants.\n\nIn 2025, Harman agreed to acquire Masimo’s consumer-audio business, subject to the applicable transaction process and approvals. The announced portfolio included Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics. The proposed transaction would further increase Harman’s position in premium and multi-brand home audio. Harman’s present identity therefore combines established audio marques with automotive electronics, software, professional systems, and connected-device platforms.\n\nHarman International is an American technology company focused on audio, connected products, automotive systems, and professional equipment. The company is best known through a large portfolio of consumer and professional brands, including JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Crown, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Soundcraft, Studer, Martin, and AMX. Since 2017, Harman has operated as an independent subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.\n\nThe company traces its origins to Harman Kardon, founded in 1953 by engineers Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon. The two had previously worked at Bogen, a manufacturer of public-address equipment, and sought to develop higher-fidelity audio products for home listeners. Harman bought out Kardon in 1956 and expanded the Harman Kardon business. During the 1960s, the company broadened its reach through acquisitions, including JBL, establishing a pattern of portfolio expansion that later became central to Harman’s business model.\n\nHarman’s corporate history was shaped by Sidney Harman’s public-service career. When he accepted an appointment as United States deputy secretary of commerce during the Carter administration, he sold the company to Beatrice Foods to avoid a conflict of interest. Beatrice subsequently sold or separated many of the audio businesses. After Harman left government in 1978, he established Harman International Industries and reacquired a number of the businesses previously associated with him. The reorganized company expanded through acquisitions across consumer audio, professional audio, recording, installation, and related technologies.\n\nHarman became a public company in 1986, listing on the New York Stock Exchange. During the following decades it acquired or integrated companies such as Soundcraft, Infinity, dbx, Studer, Lexicon, AKG, BSS, Orban, Quested, Turbosound, and other specialist brands. It also moved beyond conventional audio hardware. The acquisition of Martin Professional in 2013 added professional lighting, while AMX strengthened installed audio-visual and control systems. In 2015, Harman bought Bang & Olufsen’s automotive business and acquired Symphony Teleca and Redbend to develop software, cloud, mobility, analytics, device management, and over-the-air update capabilities. The purchase of TowerSec in 2016 further emphasized automotive cybersecurity.\n\nAutomotive technology became an increasingly important part of Harman’s activities, alongside consumer and professional audio. Its automotive portfolio has included infotainment, connected-car software, embedded audio, telematics-related technologies, cybersecurity, and other vehicle systems. Its consumer activities span wireless speakers, headphones, home audio, premium components, and connected ecosystems, while its professional activities serve live sound, installed systems, broadcast, recording, cinema, and lighting markets.\n\nSamsung agreed to acquire Harman in November 2016 for approximately $8 billion in cash. Harman shareholders approved the transaction in February 2017, and the acquisition closed on March 10, 2017. Harman remained an independently operated subsidiary within Samsung rather than being absorbed as a Samsung consumer brand. The ownership change gave Harman access to Samsung’s global technology and market infrastructure while allowing it to retain its multi-brand strategy. Harman continues to operate internationally across consumer, automotive, and professional markets.\n\nThe company broadened its automotive business in 2015 by acquiring Bang & Olufsen’s automotive division, while its purchases of Symphony Teleca and Redbend added software engineering, cloud, mobility, analytics, connected-device management, and over-the-air software and firmware updating capabilities. In 2016, TowerSec added automotive cybersecurity technology, reinforcing Harman’s move toward connected-vehicle systems rather than audio hardware alone. These moves reflected Harman’s transformation from a primarily audio-equipment group into a supplier of connected-vehicle and connected-environment technologies.\n\nLeadership changed during this period as well. Dinesh Paliwal joined as president and chief executive officer in July 2007 and succeeded Sidney Harman as chairman in 2008. Michael Mauser succeeded Paliwal as chairman in April 2020 and serves as president and chief executive officer.\n\nIn 2025, Harman agreed to acquire Masimo’s consumer-audio business, subject to applicable transaction processes and approvals. The announced portfolio includes Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics. The proposed transaction would further strengthen Harman’s position in premium and multi-brand home audio. Harman also announced an agreement to acquire ZF Group’s advanced-driver-assistance business, including compute platforms, smart-camera and radar technologies, and approximately 3,750 employees, for €1.5 billion, subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in the second half of 2026. Harman’s current identity therefore combines established audio brands with automotive electronics, software, professional systems, and connected-device platforms.", "aliases": [ "Harman", "Harman International", "哈曼国际" ], "entityType": "corporate_brand", "l1Slug": "consumer-discretionary", "l1": "Consumer Discretionary", "l2Slug": "consumer-durables", "l2": "Consumer Durables & Apparel", "l3Slug": "household-durables", "l3": "Household Durables", "l4Slug": "consumer-electronics-brands", "l4": "Consumer Electronics Brands", "country": "United States", "headquarters": "Stamford, Connecticut, United States", "operatingMarkets": [ "Americas", "Europe", "Asia", "Global" ], "foundedYear": 1953, "founder": "Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon", "website": "https://www.harman.com/", "websiteHost": "harman.com", "parentCompany": "Samsung Electronics", "owner": "Samsung Electronics", "groupOrHouse": "Samsung Group", "listedStatus": "private", "ticker": null, "status": "active", "enrichmentStatus": "rich_ok", "typicalProducts": [ "Consumer audio equipment", "Automotive infotainment and audio systems", "Professional audio equipment", "Connected-device software and services", "Audio-video control and automation systems", "Professional lighting systems", "Automotive infotainment and connected-car systems", "Installed audio-visual and control systems", "Audio software and connected-device technologies" ], "flagshipOfferings": [ "JBL speakers and headphones", "Harman Kardon home and personal audio", "AKG headphones and microphones", "Mark Levinson premium audio", "Revel loudspeakers", "Crown professional amplification", "Soundcraft and Studer mixing systems", "AMX control and automation systems", "Martin professional lighting", "JBL", "AKG", "Lexicon", "Crown", "Soundcraft", "Studer", "Martin", "AMX" ], "positioning": "A multi-brand technology group combining premium and mainstream audio with professional sound, automotive systems, connected software, control technologies, and professional lighting.", "wikiPathKey": "Harman_International", "wikiTitle": "Harman International", "wikidataId": "Q1585599", "sameAs": [ "https://www.harman.com/", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1585599" ], "claimStatus": "unverified", "updatedAt": "2026-10-14T10:24:14.039Z", "generatedAt": "2026-08-21T20:37:16.774Z", "executives": [ { "name": "Michael Mauser", "title": "President and chief executive officer; chairman", "isCurrent": true, "startYear": 2020, "endYear": null }, { "name": "Dinesh Paliwal", "title": "Former president and chief executive officer; former chairman", "isCurrent": false, "startYear": 2007, "endYear": 2020 }, { "name": "Bernard Kardon", "title": "Co-founder", "isCurrent": false, "startYear": 1953, "endYear": 1956 }, { "name": "Sidney Harman", "title": "Co-founder; former chairman", "isCurrent": false, "startYear": 1953, "endYear": 2008 } ], "news": [ { "headline": "Harman agrees to acquire consumer-audio assets from Masimo", "year": 2025, "summary": "Harman announced an agreement to acquire Masimo’s consumer-audio business, including brands such as Bowers & Wilkins, Marantz, Denon, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics.", "tags": [ "mna" ], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "headline": "Harman agrees to acquire ZF advanced-driver-assistance business", "year": 2025, "summary": "Harman announced an agreement to acquire ZF Group’s ADAS business for €1.5 billion, subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in the second half of 2026.", "tags": [ "mna" ], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "headline": "Samsung completes acquisition of Harman", "year": 2017, "summary": "The transaction closed after approval by Harman shareholders, making Harman an independent subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.", "tags": [ "mna" ], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "headline": "Samsung agrees to acquire Harman International", "year": 2016, "summary": "Samsung Electronics announced an $8 billion cash agreement to acquire Harman and expand its connected-automotive and audio capabilities.", "tags": [ "mna" ], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "headline": "Harman agrees to be acquired by Samsung Electronics", "year": 2016, "summary": "Samsung Electronics announced an agreement to acquire Harman in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $8 billion.", "tags": [ "mna" ], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "headline": "Harman expands into automotive cybersecurity through TowerSec acquisition", "year": 2016, "summary": "The acquisition added automotive cybersecurity capabilities to Harman’s expanding vehicle-technology portfolio.", "tags": [ "mna" ], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "headline": "Harman acquires the automotive division of Bang & Olufsen", "year": 2015, "summary": "Harman acquired Bang & Olufsen’s automotive business and related technology licensing rights; the consumer-electronics business was excluded.", "tags": [ "mna" ], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "headline": "KKR and Goldman Sachs-backed Harman buyout falters", "year": 2007, "summary": "A proposed transaction to take Harman International private was abandoned after KKR announced it would withdraw from the deal.", "tags": [ "mna", "other" ], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" } ], "encyclopedia": { "history": "Harman’s history begins with Harman Kardon, established in 1953 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon. Both founders were engineers who had worked at Bogen, a manufacturer of public-address equipment. Their early products addressed the emerging market for high-fidelity home audio. Harman acquired Kardon’s interest in 1956 and continued developing the Harman Kardon business.\n\nDuring the 1960s, the company expanded beyond its original product line and acquired audio businesses including JBL. In the 1970s, Sidney Harman became United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce in the Carter administration. To avoid a conflict between public office and private ownership, he sold the company to Beatrice Foods. Beatrice subsequently disposed of various parts of the business, including the original Harman Kardon division.\n\nAfter leaving government in 1978, Harman formed Harman International Industries and began reacquiring businesses connected with his former company. The reorganized group pursued broad expansion during the 1980s. It went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1986, using capital from the offering to purchase consumer and professional audio companies. Among the acquisitions were Soundcraft, DOD Electronics, Infinity, Epicure, Allen & Heath, dbx, Studer, Lexicon, AKG, BSS, Orban, Quested, and Turbosound.\n\nThe group continued adding specialist brands and capabilities in subsequent decades. In 2003 it acquired Madrigal Audio Laboratories, bringing Mark Levinson and Revel into its portfolio. Harman’s professional-audio presence included microphones, loudspeakers, amplifiers, mixing consoles, signal processing, and installed-sound technologies. The acquisition of MWM Acoustics in 2011 added further audio engineering capabilities. Martin Professional, acquired in 2013, extended the business into professional lighting, while AMX, acquired in 2014, strengthened control, automation, and audiovisual integration.\n\nHarman also expanded its automotive and software activities. In 2015 it acquired Bang & Olufsen’s automotive division, separate from Bang & Olufsen’s consumer-electronics business. The same year, Harman acquired Symphony Teleca and Redbend. These transactions added software development, cloud and mobility services, analytics, connected-device management, and over-the-air software and firmware updating. In 2016, TowerSec added automotive cybersecurity technology, reinforcing Harman’s move toward connected-vehicle systems rather than audio hardware alone.\n\nOwnership changed again in 2017. Samsung Electronics announced an $8 billion cash acquisition agreement in November 2016. Harman shareholders approved it in February 2017, and completion followed on March 10, 2017. Harman became an independent subsidiary of Samsung, with its portfolio of consumer, professional, automotive, and connected-technology businesses continuing under established brand names.\n\nLeadership also changed during this period. Dinesh Paliwal joined as president and chief executive officer in 2007 and succeeded Sidney Harman as chairman in 2008. Michael Mauser succeeded Paliwal as chairman in 2020 and serves as president and chief executive officer. In 2025, Harman agreed to acquire Masimo’s consumer-audio business, a transaction that would add several established premium home-audio brands. Harman also announced an agreement to acquire ZF Group’s advanced-driver-assistance business, subject to regulatory approval. These developments illustrate the company’s continuing expansion from traditional audio into software-defined mobility and broader connected technologies.\n\nHarman International began with Harman Kardon, founded in 1953 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon. Both founders were engineers who had worked at Bogen, a public-address equipment manufacturer. Their early products pursued improved fidelity in home audio, helping establish Harman Kardon as a specialist in high-quality sound reproduction. Harman bought out Kardon in 1956 and continued developing the business.\n\nThe company expanded during the 1960s, including through the acquisition of JBL. Its subsequent history was affected by Harman’s appointment as deputy secretary of commerce in the Carter administration. To avoid a conflict of interest, he sold his company to Beatrice Foods. Beatrice later divested or separated various parts of the business. After leaving government in 1978, Harman created Harman International Industries and reacquired several former businesses, rebuilding a broader audio group.\n\nHarman International pursued an acquisition-led expansion strategy through the 1980s and beyond. It became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange in 1986, using capital from the offering to acquire additional consumer and professional audio businesses. The portfolio came to include brands and technologies associated with loudspeakers, amplification, recording, installed systems, broadcast, cinema, and live entertainment. Acquisitions included Soundcraft, Infinity, dbx, Studer, Lexicon, AKG, BSS, Orban, Quested, and Turbosound. In 2003, Harman acquired Madrigal Audio Laboratories, whose assets included the Mark Levinson and Revel brands.\n\nThe group continued broadening its technology scope in the 2010s. It acquired MWM Acoustics in 2011 and Martin Professional in 2013, bringing professional lighting into the portfolio. The acquisition of AMX in 2014 strengthened its installed audio-visual, automation, and control activities. In 2015, Harman bought Bang & Olufsen’s automotive division while leaving Bang & Olufsen’s consumer business outside the transaction. The same year, it acquired Symphony Teleca and Redbend, adding software engineering, cloud, mobility, analytics, connected-device management, and over-the-air update capabilities. TowerSec, acquired in 2016, added automotive cybersecurity expertise.\n\nHarman’s strategic direction increasingly connected its traditional audio strengths with automotive software and electronics. Its vehicle business has covered infotainment, embedded audio, connected-car systems, software platforms, cybersecurity, and related technologies. At the same time, its consumer portfolio has included headphones, wireless speakers, home audio, high-end components, and connected products sold under multiple brands. Its professional business has served live events, recording, broadcast, installed venues, theaters, and lighting applications.\n\nIn 2007, Harman was the subject of a proposed leveraged buyout by KKR and Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The company was expected to delist from the NYSE, but KKR withdrew from the transaction later that year. Dinesh Paliwal became president and chief executive officer in July 2007 and succeeded Sidney Harman as chairman in 2008.\n\nSamsung Electronics agreed to acquire Harman on November 14, 2016. Harman shareholders approved the transaction in February 2017, and the acquisition was completed on March 10, 2017. Harman has since operated as an independent Samsung subsidiary. Michael Mauser succeeded Paliwal as chairman in April 2020. The Samsung ownership structure has allowed Harman to retain its independent multi-brand identity while operating within a larger global technology group. Later announced expansion plans included the proposed acquisition of Masimo’s consumer-audio assets and ZF’s advanced driver-assistance systems business.", "milestones": [ { "year": 1953, "title": "Harman Kardon is founded", "summary": "Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon establish the predecessor of Harman International and begin developing high-fidelity audio products.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 1956, "title": "Sidney Harman becomes sole owner", "summary": "Harman buys out Bernard Kardon and becomes the sole owner of the Harman Kardon business, continuing its expansion.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 1978, "title": "Harman International Industries is formed", "summary": "After leaving the Carter administration, Sidney Harman establishes Harman International Industries and reacquires several former businesses, rebuilding a multi-brand audio group.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 1986, "title": "Public listing", "summary": "Harman International completes a stock offering on the New York Stock Exchange, funding further acquisitions.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2003, "title": "Madrigal Audio Laboratories is acquired", "summary": "The acquisition adds businesses and brands including Mark Levinson and Revel.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2013, "title": "Martin Professional is acquired", "summary": "Harman enters the professional-lighting market through the acquisition of Martin Professional.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2014, "title": "AMX is acquired", "summary": "The transaction expands Harman’s installed audio-visual, automation, and control-system capabilities.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2015, "title": "Automotive and software expansion", "summary": "Harman acquires Bang & Olufsen’s automotive division, Symphony Teleca, and Redbend.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2016, "title": "TowerSec is acquired", "summary": "The automotive-cybersecurity acquisition strengthens Harman’s connected-vehicle technology capabilities.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2017, "title": "Samsung acquisition closes", "summary": "Samsung Electronics completes its $8 billion cash acquisition of Harman, which becomes an independent Samsung subsidiary.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2025, "title": "Masimo consumer-audio transaction announced", "summary": "Harman agrees to acquire Masimo’s consumer-audio business and its associated portfolio of brands.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2025, "title": "ZF ADAS transaction announced", "summary": "Harman agrees to acquire ZF’s advanced-driver-assistance business for €1.5 billion, pending regulatory approval.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 1986, "title": "Harman goes public", "summary": "Harman International lists on the New York Stock Exchange and uses the proceeds to support further acquisitions.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2020, "title": "Michael Mauser succeeds Dinesh Paliwal", "summary": "Michael Mauser succeeds Dinesh Paliwal as chairman.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2025, "title": "Proposed expansion into premium consumer audio and ADAS", "summary": "Harman announces proposed acquisitions involving Masimo’s consumer-audio assets and ZF’s advanced driver-assistance systems business.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" } ], "products": [ { "name": "JBL", "category": "Consumer and professional audio", "description": "JBL is one of Harman’s principal audio brands, offering loudspeakers, headphones, portable speakers, soundbars, and professional sound-reinforcement equipment. Its portfolio spans mass-market consumer products and systems used in live performance, installed audio, cinema, and commercial venues.\n\nJBL is one of Harman’s best-known audio brands, covering portable Bluetooth speakers, headphones, home audio, loudspeakers, amplifiers, and professional sound-reinforcement equipment. Its portfolio ranges from mass-market personal audio to systems used in venues and live events.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Harman Kardon", "category": "Home and personal audio", "description": "Harman Kardon is the founding audio brand associated with Harman’s origins. It produces home audio components, wireless speakers, soundbars, receivers, and related products positioned around design-conscious premium sound reproduction.", "launchedYear": 1953, "status": "active" }, { "name": "AKG", "category": "Headphones, microphones, and professional audio", "description": "AKG supplies headphones, studio microphones, wireless systems, and related audio equipment for consumers, musicians, broadcasters, and recording professionals. The brand is associated with recording, broadcast, performance, and personal listening applications.\n\nAKG contributes headphones, studio microphones, stage microphones, and professional monitoring products. The brand is associated with recording, broadcast, performance, and personal listening applications.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Mark Levinson and Revel", "category": "Premium audio", "description": "Mark Levinson and Revel represent Harman’s premium and high-end audio activities. Their products include components and loudspeakers designed for demanding home-audio and luxury automotive applications.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Revel", "category": "Premium loudspeakers", "description": "Revel develops premium loudspeakers for home audio and automotive applications. The brand is part of Harman’s high-end consumer-audio portfolio alongside other specialist marques.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Crown", "category": "Professional amplification", "description": "Crown produces professional power amplifiers and related systems used in touring, installed sound, cinema, worship, entertainment, and commercial audio applications.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Soundcraft and Studer", "category": "Mixing and broadcast audio", "description": "Soundcraft and Studer provide mixing consoles and professional audio systems for live sound, recording, broadcast, and production environments. They form part of Harman’s specialist professional-audio portfolio.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "AMX", "category": "Audiovisual control and automation", "description": "AMX provides control, automation, signal management, and installed audio-visual technologies for corporate, education, hospitality, government, and other commercial environments.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Martin", "category": "Professional lighting", "description": "Martin supplies professional lighting and related systems for concerts, touring productions, entertainment venues, and architectural applications. The brand entered Harman’s portfolio through the acquisition of Martin Professional.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Automotive systems", "category": "Automotive technology", "description": "Harman’s automotive activities include embedded audio, infotainment, connected-car software, cybersecurity, and related vehicle technologies. The business has used Harman and partner-brand technologies in automotive programs rather than functioning solely as a consumer-facing product line.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" } ], "campaigns": [], "scandals": [], "decisions": [ { "year": 2007, "type": "mna", "title": "Proposed KKR and Goldman Sachs take-private transaction", "context": "Harman International agreed to a proposed buyout intended to remove the company from the New York Stock Exchange.", "action": "KKR and Goldman Sachs Alternatives proposed taking Harman private and delisting it from the New York Stock Exchange. The transaction was not completed after KKR announced that it would withdraw from the deal in September 2007.", "aftermath": "Harman remained publicly traded, and Dinesh Paliwal became president and chief executive officer during the period of the proposed transaction.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2015, "type": "mna", "title": "Acquisition of Bang & Olufsen automotive division", "context": "Harman sought to expand its automotive audio and technology business while Bang & Olufsen separated its automotive operation from its consumer-electronics activities.", "action": "Harman acquired the automotive division and related technology licensing rights for €145 million, reported as approximately US$156 million at the time.", "aftermath": "The transaction strengthened Harman’s automotive premium-audio portfolio without including Bang & Olufsen’s consumer-electronics business.", "financials": { "metric": "Purchase price", "before": null, "after": "€145 million", "period": "March 2015", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2016, "type": "mna", "title": "Agreement to be acquired by Samsung Electronics", "context": "Harman was pursuing connected-vehicle, audio, and software growth while Samsung sought to expand its automotive and connected-technology activities.", "action": "Samsung agreed to acquire Harman for $8 billion in cash. Shareholders approved the transaction in February 2017, and completion followed in March 2017.", "aftermath": "Harman became an independent subsidiary of Samsung Electronics and continued operating its multi-brand businesses.", "financials": { "metric": "Agreed transaction value", "before": null, "after": "$8 billion", "period": "November 2016 announcement", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2025, "type": "mna", "title": "Agreement to acquire Masimo consumer-audio business", "context": "Masimo announced the sale of its consumer-audio business, creating an opportunity for Harman to add established premium and home-audio brands.", "action": "Harman agreed to acquire the business, including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics, subject to completion conditions.", "aftermath": "The announced transaction would broaden Harman’s premium home-audio portfolio; the supplied reference does not specify completion details.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2025, "type": "mna", "title": "Agreement to acquire ZF advanced-driver-assistance business", "context": "Harman sought to deepen its software-defined mobility and vehicle-technology capabilities beyond infotainment and in-car audio.\n\nHarman sought to extend its automotive technology activities into advanced driver-assistance systems and associated vehicle computing technologies.\n\nHarman sought to deepen its software-defined mobility and vehicle-technology capabilities beyond infotainment and in-car audio, extending its automotive technology activities into advanced driver-assistance systems and associated vehicle computing technologies.", "action": "Harman agreed to acquire ZF Group’s ADAS business, including compute platforms, smart-camera and radar technologies, and approximately 3,750 employees.", "aftermath": "The transaction was expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval, according to the supplied reference.", "financials": { "metric": "Purchase price", "before": null, "after": "€1.5 billion", "period": "December 2025 announcement", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2007, "type": "mna", "title": "Private-equity buyout proposal", "context": "KKR and Goldman Sachs Alternatives proposed taking Harman private and delisting it from the New York Stock Exchange.", "action": "The proposed buyout was pursued during 2007, but KKR later withdrew from the transaction.", "aftermath": "Harman remained publicly traded, and Dinesh Paliwal became president and chief executive officer during the period of the proposed transaction.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2013, "type": "strategy", "title": "Expansion into professional lighting", "context": "Harman sought to broaden its professional entertainment and event-technology activities beyond audio.", "action": "Harman acquired Martin Professional.", "aftermath": "Professional lighting became an additional category within Harman’s portfolio.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2015, "type": "strategy", "title": "Shift toward software and connected technologies", "context": "Harman identified cloud services, mobility, analytics, connected devices, and software management as increasingly important to its markets.", "action": "The company acquired Symphony Teleca and Redbend and expanded its connected-device and over-the-air update capabilities.", "aftermath": "Harman’s business became broader than conventional audio hardware, particularly in automotive and connected-device applications.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "year": 2016, "type": "mna", "title": "Agreement to sell Harman to Samsung", "context": "Harman was operating across audio, automotive, software, and connected technologies while Samsung was expanding its position in automotive electronics and related technologies.", "action": "Samsung Electronics agreed to acquire Harman in an all-cash transaction.", "aftermath": "Shareholders approved the transaction in February 2017, and the acquisition closed in March 2017. Harman became an independent Samsung subsidiary.", "financials": { "metric": "announced transaction value", "before": null, "after": "$8 billion", "period": "November 2016 announcement", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" } ], "sources": [ { "title": "Harman International", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "title": "Harman corporate website", "url": "https://www.harman.com/" } ], "needsReview": true }, "sources": [ { "title": "Harman International", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International" }, { "title": "Harman corporate website", "url": "https://www.harman.com/" }, { "title": "Amazon launches initiative to bundle virtual assistants on single device", "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/tech/gadgets/2019/09/25/amazon-launches-initiative-to-bundle-virtual-assistants-on-single-device/1794027" }, { "title": "Flipkart collaborates with Nokia to introduce the first Nokia Smart TV in India - Technuter", "url": "https://technuter.com/breaking-news/flipkart-collaborates-with-nokia-to-introduce-the-first-nokia-smart-tv-in-india.html" }, { "title": "HARMAN达成协议，收购ZF集团的ADAS业务", "url": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/roll/2026-01-04/doc-inhfctqr8853729.shtml" }, { "title": "Hyundai teams up with Harman to eliminate road noise using noise cancelling tech", "url": "https://www.pocket-lint.com/cars/news/hyundai/151017-hyundai-teams-up-with-harman-to-eliminate-road-noise-using-noise-cancelling-tech/" } ], "jsonLd": [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": [ "Organization", "Brand" ], "@id": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries#entity", "name": "Harman International Industries", "url": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries", "description": "American audio, connected-technology, automotive, and professional-solutions company operating as an independent subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.", "sameAs": [ "https://www.harman.com/", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1585599" ], "foundingDate": "1953", "founder": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon" }, "parentOrganization": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Samsung Electronics" }, "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Stamford, Connecticut, United States", "addressCountry": "United States" }, "identifier": { "@type": "PropertyValue", "propertyID": "Wikidata", "value": "Q1585599" }, "alternateName": [ "Harman", "Harman International", "哈曼国际" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries", "name": "Harman International Industries", "url": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries", "dateModified": "2026-10-14T10:24:14.039Z", "isPartOf": { "@type": "Dataset", "name": "Brand Wiki", "url": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "WorldBrand.ai", "url": "https://worldbrand.ai" }, "publishingPrinciples": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/editorial-policy", "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries#entity" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-brandwiki-speakable='definition']" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Brand Wiki", "item": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Harman International Industries", "item": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/harman-international-industries" } ] } ] }