Samsung Expands Audio Empire with Bowers & Wilkins Denon and Polk Acquisition

Samsung’s Harman subsidiary has announced a significant expansion of its audio portfolio by acquiring the audio business division of Masimo for $350 million. This acquisition includes renowned audio brands such as Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Polk Audio, bringing them under the same ownership as JBL, Harman Kardon, Arcam, AKG, Mark Levinson, and Revel.

This strategic move follows Samsung’s 2016 acquisition of Harman for $8 billion, which initially brought many premium audio brands into its portfolio. The Masimo deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals, and marks a key milestone in Samsung’s plan to solidify its position as the global leader in the consumer audio market.

Samsung intends to leverage the professional audio technologies of Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz to enhance its lineup of smartphones, wireless earphones, headphones, TVs, and soundbars. Additionally, the acquisition will expand Samsung’s car audio business portfolio, integrating luxury audio brands into automotive sound systems.

Dave Rogers, president of Harman’s lifestyle business unit, emphasized that the acquisition of Bowers & Wilkins will further establish Harman as a true powerhouse in the audio industry, building on its 75-year history of innovation and excellence.

This consolidation of premium audio brands under Samsung’s umbrella not only strengthens its competitive edge but also opens new opportunities for innovation in consumer electronics and automotive audio experiences. By integrating these high-end audio technologies, Samsung is poised to deliver superior sound quality and immersive experiences across its product ecosystem.

For developers, businesses, and tech leaders, this acquisition signals a growing trend of convergence between consumer electronics and professional audio technologies. Leveraging these advancements can drive innovation in product design, user experience, and market differentiation.