Samsung acquires Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, in $350M audio deal

What just happened? Samsung and its subsidiary, Harman International, have just signed a $350 million all-cash deal to acquire the consumer audio business of Masimo Corporation, bringing several of the industry's most iconic audio brands under their umbrella. This includes Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, and Definitive Technology. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval.

This move supercharges Samsung's ambitions in the premium audio space. Harman already owns a stable of respected audio brands, including JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Arcam, Mark Levinson, and Revel – all thanks to Samsung's $8 billion acquisition of the company back in 2016.

By adding Masimo's high-end audio assets, Samsung is further strengthening its position in the global consumer audio market, which it projects will balloon to $70 billion by 2029.

Dave Rogers, President of Harman's Lifestyle Division, called the acquisition ...