In the world of consumer electronics, few partnerships have been as intriguing as the one between Samsung and Harman Kardon. In 2017, Samsung Electronics acquired Harman International Industries, the parent company of Harman Kardon, in a massive deal worth $8 billion. But does Samsung still own Harman Kardon? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of their partnership, explore the current state of their relationship, and examine the implications of this union on the audio industry.
A Brief History of Harman Kardon
Before we dive into the Samsung-Harman Kardon partnership, let’s take a brief look at the rich history of Harman Kardon. Founded in 1953 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, Harman Kardon has been a household name in the audio industry for over six decades. The company started as an amplifier manufacturer but soon expanded to produce high-fidelity audio equipment, including receivers, amplifiers, and loudspeakers.
Over the years, Harman Kardon has been synonymous with quality and innovation, earning numerous awards and accolades for its products. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality has made it a favorite among audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
The Acquisition by Samsung
In November 2016, Samsung Electronics announced its plans to acquire Harman International Industries, the parent company of Harman Kardon, for $8 billion. The deal marked Samsung’s largest acquisition to date and was seen as a strategic move to expand its presence in the automotive and audio markets.
The acquisition was completed in March 2017, and Harman Kardon became a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. The deal brought together two industry giants, with Harman Kardon’s audio expertise complementing Samsung’s leadership in the smartphone and TV markets.
The Partnership: What Does it Mean?
So, what does Samsung’s acquisition of Harman Kardon mean for the audio industry? In essence, the partnership brings together two powerful brands with complementary strengths.
Samsung’s Motivation
Samsung’s motivation behind the acquisition was twofold. Firstly, the company sought to enhance its presence in the automotive market, where Harman Kardon has a significant presence. Harman Kardon’s audio systems are used in many high-end vehicles, including those from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ferrari.
Secondly, Samsung wanted to leverage Harman Kardon’s audio expertise to improve its own consumer electronics products, such as smartphones, TVs, and home audio systems. By integrating Harman Kardon’s technology into its products, Samsung aimed to offer better sound quality and a more immersive audio experience to its customers.
Harman Kardon’s Benefits
The acquisition has also been beneficial for Harman Kardon. As a subsidiary of Samsung, Harman Kardon has access to Samsung’s vast resources, including its manufacturing capabilities and global distribution network. This has enabled Harman Kardon to expand its product offerings and reach a wider audience.
Moreover, the partnership has allowed Harman Kardon to leverage Samsung’s expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, 5G, and IoT. This has opened up new opportunities for Harman Kardon to develop innovative audio products that integrate seamlessly with Samsung’s ecosystem.
The Future of Audio
The Samsung-Harman Kardon partnership is not just about combining their strengths; it’s also about shaping the future of audio. With the rise of voice-activated assistants, smart homes, and immersive audio technologies, the audio industry is undergoing a significant transformation.
By combining their resources and expertise, Samsung and Harman Kardon are well-positioned to drive innovation in the audio space. They are working together to develop new audio technologies that will change the way we experience sound.
Immersive Audio
One area where Samsung and Harman Kardon are pushing the boundaries is immersive audio. With the increasing popularity of virtual and augmented reality, there is a growing demand for immersive audio experiences that can simulate 3D sound.
Harman Kardon’s audio expertise, combined with Samsung’s innovation in display technology, is enabling the development of new audio products that can deliver an immersive audio experience. This includes products like soundbars with 3D audio capabilities and headphones with spatial audio technology.
Smart Audio
Another area of focus for the partnership is smart audio. With the rise of voice-activated assistants like Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant, there is a growing demand for smart audio products that can integrate with these platforms.
Samsung and Harman Kardon are working together to develop smart audio products that can seamlessly integrate with voice assistants, enabling users to control their audio experience with voice commands. This includes products like smart speakers, soundbars, and headphones with built-in voice assistants.
Does Samsung Still Own Harman Kardon?
Now that we’ve explored the history and implications of the Samsung-Harman Kardon partnership, let’s answer the burning question: does Samsung still own Harman Kardon?
The answer is yes. Harman Kardon is still a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, and the company continues to operate as an independent business unit within the Samsung group.
While Harman Kardon has maintained its independence in terms of product development and brand identity, it has benefited significantly from Samsung’s resources and expertise. The partnership has enabled Harman Kardon to expand its product offerings, improve its manufacturing capabilities, and reach a wider audience.
The Future of the Partnership
As the audio industry continues to evolve, the Samsung-Harman Kardon partnership is expected to remain a key driver of innovation. With their combined strengths, the two companies are well-positioned to drive growth in the audio market and shape the future of sound.
In the coming years, we can expect to see more innovative audio products from Harman Kardon, leveraging Samsung’s expertise in areas like AI, 5G, and IoT. The partnership will continue to focus on developing immersive audio technologies, smart audio products, and innovative audio solutions that integrate seamlessly with Samsung’s ecosystem.
In conclusion, the Samsung-Harman Kardon partnership is a harmonious union that has brought together two industry giants with complementary strengths. As Samsung continues to own Harman Kardon, we can expect to see more innovative audio products and solutions that will change the way we experience sound.
What is Harman Kardon and what is its significance?
Harman Kardon is a well-known American audio equipment manufacturer that has been in the industry for over 65 years. Founded in 1953, the company has been synonymous with high-quality audio products, including home theaters, soundbars, speakers, and amplifiers. Over the years, Harman Kardon has built a reputation for delivering exceptional sound quality, innovative designs, and premium products that cater to a wide range of consumers.
From its humble beginnings as a small amplifier manufacturer to its current status as a global audio giant, Harman Kardon has undergone significant transformations. The company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has earned it numerous awards and recognitions, making it a household name in the audio industry.
Why did Samsung acquire Harman Kardon in 2017?
In 2017, Samsung Electronics announced its acquisition of Harman International Industries, the parent company of Harman Kardon, for approximately $8 billion. This strategic move was aimed at expanding Samsung’s presence in the connected car market, as well as strengthening its position in the audio industry. By acquiring Harman Kardon, Samsung gained access to the company’s extensive portfolio of audio brands, including JBL, AKG, and Harman Kardon.
Additionally, the acquisition allowed Samsung to leverage Harman Kardon’s expertise in audio technology, further enhancing its own product offerings, such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs. The deal also marked Samsung’s entry into the automotive sector, as Harman Kardon was a leading supplier of audio and infotainment systems to major car manufacturers.
Does Samsung still own Harman Kardon?
Yes, Samsung still owns Harman Kardon. After acquiring Harman International Industries in 2017, Samsung has continued to operate Harman Kardon as a subsidiary, allowing the company to maintain its brand identity and autonomy. Samsung has supported Harman Kardon’s continued innovation and growth, investing in new products, technologies, and market expansion.
As a result, Harman Kardon has continued to thrive under Samsung’s ownership, introducing new audio products and solutions that cater to the demands of the rapidly evolving audio landscape. Samsung’s ownership has also enabled Harman Kardon to tap into the global resources and expertise of its parent company, further solidifying its position in the audio industry.
How has the acquisition impacted Harman Kardon’s operations?
The acquisition by Samsung has had a significant impact on Harman Kardon’s operations. While the company has maintained its independence and brand identity, it has benefited from Samsung’s global resources, technology, and expertise. Harman Kardon has gained access to Samsung’s extensive supply chain, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution network, enabling it to streamline its operations and reduce costs.
Furthermore, the acquisition has led to increased investment in research and development, allowing Harman Kardon to accelerate innovation and stay at the forefront of audio technology. Samsung’s ownership has also facilitated strategic partnerships and collaborations, enabling Harman Kardon to expand its reach into new markets and industries.
Has the acquisition affected Harman Kardon’s product offerings?
The acquisition by Samsung has indeed influenced Harman Kardon’s product offerings. While the company has continued to develop and release new audio products under its own brand, it has also collaborated with Samsung to create co-branded products that integrate Samsung’s technology with Harman Kardon’s audio expertise.
These co-branded products have enabled Harman Kardon to leverage Samsung’s strengths in areas such as artificial intelligence, wireless connectivity, and smart home integration, resulting in innovative and feature-rich audio solutions. Additionally, Harman Kardon has benefited from Samsung’s expertise in the smartphone and tablet markets, enabling the development of audio products optimized for mobile devices.
How has the acquisition impacted Harman Kardon’s relationships with car manufacturers?
The acquisition by Samsung has had a positive impact on Harman Kardon’s relationships with car manufacturers. As a leading supplier of audio and infotainment systems to major car manufacturers, Harman Kardon’s partnership with Samsung has enabled it to expand its offerings and capabilities in the automotive sector.
Samsung’s expertise in areas such as autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification has complemented Harman Kardon’s audio expertise, enabling the company to develop more comprehensive and innovative solutions for the automotive industry. As a result, Harman Kardon has strengthened its relationships with car manufacturers, securing new business and partnerships that drive growth and innovation in the sector.
What does the future hold for Harman Kardon under Samsung’s ownership?
Under Samsung’s ownership, Harman Kardon is poised for continued growth and innovation. With Samsung’s support, Harman Kardon is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and technologies in the audio industry, such as voice-assisted speakers, wireless earbuds, and smart home audio systems.
As the audio landscape continues to evolve, Harman Kardon is expected to remain a leader in the industry, driven by its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. With Samsung’s backing, the company is likely to expand its product offerings, enter new markets, and forge strategic partnerships, further solidifying its position as a premier audio brand.