Samsung Electronics Acquires Masimo's Audio Division in $350 Million Deal
Deal News | May 08, 2025 | EIN
Samsung Electronics has made its most significant acquisition in nine years by purchasing the audio division of U.S. company Masimo, known for its premium audio brand Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), for $350 million. This acquisition marks Samsung's largest M&A move since its 2016 acquisition of Harman. The acquisition was announced on May 7 and involves Harman, a subsidiary of Samsung, taking control of Masimo's audio brands, including B&W, Denon, Marantz, Polk, and Definitive Technology. This move is aimed at strengthening Harman's position in the global audio market. The acquisition is expected to create synergies with Samsung's other major product lines, improving sound quality across its range of products. This deal is also the first major M&A move for Samsung following the acquittal of Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong. Industry observers are keen to see if this signals a new M&A strategy for Samsung.
Sectors
- Consumer Electronics
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- South Korea – Samsung Electronics is a South Korean multinational company, and its strategic decisions have a significant impact here.
- United States – The acquired audio division of Masimo is based in America, emphasizing U.S. involvement in the transaction.
Industry
- Consumer Electronics – The acquisition involves audio products and technologies, which are integral to the consumer electronics industry.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The article focuses on Samsung Electronics' acquisition of Masimo's audio division, highlighting M&A activity.
Financials
- $350 million – The acquisition amount for Masimo's audio division by Samsung Electronics.
- 60% – The market share Harman holds in the portable audio market as of 2023.
- 15 million won ($12,000) – The price per unit of B&W's flagship speaker, the Nautilus.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics | Bidding Company/Buyer | Company | A South Korean multinational electronics company acquiring Masimo's audio division. |
| Masimo | Selling Company/Vendor | Company | An American company selling its audio division, including Bowers & Wilkins, to Samsung. |
| Harman | Subsidiary/Integrating Entity | Company | Samsung's subsidiary responsible for the integration of Masimo's audio division. |
| Lee Jae-yong | Vice Chairman | Person | Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, recently acquitted, possibly influencing strategic decisions. |
| Bowers & Wilkins | Target Company | Company | Premium audio brand involved in the acquisition, known for high-end audio products. |