Harman International
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Audio electronics |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Founder | Sidney Harman, Bernard Kardon |
| Headquarters | Stamford, Connecticut , United States |
Area served | Americas, Europe, Asia |
Key people | Michael Mauser (CEO) |
| Products | Audio electronics, automotive infotainment, lighting fixtures |
| Owner | Samsung Electronics |
| Parent | Samsung Electronics |
Harman International Industries, Inc., commonly referred to as Harman, is a prominent American company specializing in audio electronics. Since 2017, it has functioned as an autonomous subsidiary under the ownership of Samsung Electronics.
Based in Stamford, Connecticut, Harman operates significant facilities throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Its product lineup is marketed under a diverse range of brands, including AKG, AMX, Arcam, Becker, BSS Audio, Crown, dbx, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Martin, Revel, and Soundcraft.
Background
The company was established in 1953 by engineers Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon under the name Harman Kardon, focusing on high-fidelity audio equipment. After gaining full control in 1956, Harman significantly grew the enterprise.
History
During the 1960s, Harman Kardon broadened its reach by acquiring other audio firms, notably including JBL. In the 1970s, founder Sidney Harman divested his interests to conglomerate Beatrice Foods to prevent conflicts during his tenure in the Carter administration. Following his departure from government service in 1978, Harman established Harman International Industries and reacquired several businesses previously sold to Beatrice. The 1980s saw an aggressive expansion strategy through acquisitions, culminating in a public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 1986. Capital raised was used to acquire various professional and consumer audio brands such as Soundcraft, DOD Electronics Corp, Infinity, Epicure loudspeakers, Allen & Heath, dbx, Studer, Lexicon, AKG, BSS, Orban, Quested, and Turbosound.
Key acquisitions over the years include Madrigal Audio Laboratories (owner of Mark Levinson and Revel) in 2003; MWM Acoustics in 2011; and lighting manufacturer Martin Professional in 2013. The portfolio expanded further with the purchase of AMX LLC in 2014.
In March 2015, Harman acquired Bang & Olufsen’s automotive division for €145 million (approximately $156 million), excluding consumer electronics operations. That same year marked strategic moves into software and services with the acquisitions of Symphony Teleca (software services) and Redbend Software (over-the-air software management for connected devices).
The acquisition of automotive cybersecurity company TowerSec in March 2016 indicated Harman’s transition beyond traditional vehicle audio and entertainment systems toward comprehensive automotive technology solutions.
On November 14, 2016, Samsung Electronics announced its intention to acquire Harman for $8 billion. The deal received shareholder approval in February 2017 and was finalized on March 10, 2017, resulting in Harman becoming an independent subsidiary within Samsung.
In May 2025, Harman further strengthened its presence in consumer audio by acquiring Sound United—Masimo’s audio division—for $350 million. This transaction brought premium brands such as Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Polk Audio, and Marantz into its brand portfolio.
Private equity initiative
Harman International Industries intended to withdraw from the NYSE in the third quarter of 2007 following an acquisition proposal by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners. Nevertheless, KKR exited the agreement by mid-September 2007.
During this buyout effort, Dinesh Paliwal was named president and CEO in July 2007, later succeeding Sidney Harman as chairman on July 1, 2008. In April 2020, Michael Mauser succeeded Paliwal as the company's CEO.
Brands
- AIR and Flash – runtime platforms compatible with desktop and mobile environments
- AKG – producer of microphones and headphones
- AMX – manufacturers of video switching and control equipment
- Arcam – premium home audio amplifiers and components
- AXYS Tunnel – amplifiers designed for public tunnel use
- Bang & Olufsen Automotive – automotive sound systems
- Becker – automotive infotainment technologies
- BSS Audio – creators of signal processing devices
- Crown International – professional amplifier manufacturer
- dbx – signal processing products
- HALOsonic – solutions for noise control
- HardWire – guitar effects pedals
- Harman Kardon – audio products for home and automotive use
- HiQnet – digital audio control network utilizing TCP/IP, USB, and RS232 protocols
- Infinity – speakers and headphones for home and vehicle applications
- JBL – speakers for home, automotive, professional settings, plus headphones
- Lexicon – digital audio processing innovations
- Mark Levinson Audio Systems – high-end home and automotive audio equipment
- Martin Professional – lighting fixtures for stage and architectural purposes
- Revel – speakers designed for home and automotive environments
- Roon – audiophile-grade multi-platform music player and streaming application, acquired in 2023
- Selenium – manufacturers of speakers, amplifiers, and mixers for home, car, and professional use
- S1nn GmbH & Co.
- Soundcraft – producers of mixing consoles
- Studer – mixing console manufacturer (divested to Evertz Microsystems in 2021)
- Caaresys – providers of in-cabin safety technologies for vehicles
External links
- Articles with short description
- Harman International
- Manufacturing companies based in Connecticut
- Companies based in Stamford, Connecticut
- Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange
- American companies established in 1980
- Electronics companies established in 1980
- American subsidiaries of foreign companies
- Samsung Electronics
- 1980s initial public offerings
- 2017 mergers and acquisitions
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment