The name Harman is synonymous with innovation and excellence in the field of audio and infotainment systems. For decades, Harman has been a leading player in the industry, providing top-notch products and solutions to some of the world’s most renowned brands. But have you ever wondered who is behind this iconic company? In this article, we will delve into the history of Harman, explore its evolution, and reveal the owner of this legendary brand.
Introduction to Harman
Harman International Industries, Incorporated, commonly known as Harman, is a American company that designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment systems for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. The company was founded in 1980 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, and it has since become a household name, synonymous with quality and innovation.
Early Years and Founders
The story of Harman begins with its founders, Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon. Sidney Harman was an American businessman and engineer who had a passion for audio and music. He met Bernard Kardon, an engineer and inventor, and together they formed Harman Kardon, a company that would later become the foundation of the Harman International Industries. The early years of the company were marked by innovation and experimentation, as the founders worked tirelessly to develop new and improved audio technologies.
Growth and Expansion
In the 1980s, Harman began to expand its operations, acquiring several other companies in the audio industry. This strategic move allowed the company to diversify its product offerings and increase its market share. One of the most significant acquisitions was the purchase of JBL, a renowned manufacturer of professional audio equipment. This acquisition not only expanded Harman’s product line but also brought new talent and expertise to the company.
Evolution and Innovation
Over the years, Harman has continued to evolve and innovate, staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing audio and infotainment industry. The company has made significant investments in research and development, resulting in the creation of cutting-edge technologies and products. Some of the notable innovations include the development of Infinity car audio systems, Mark Levinson luxury audio systems, and AKG professional audio equipment.
Acquisitions and Partnerships
Harman’s growth and success can be attributed to its strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The company has acquired several other notable brands, including Bang & Olufsen, Crown Audio, and dbx. These acquisitions have not only expanded Harman’s product offerings but also brought new expertise and talent to the company. Additionally, Harman has formed partnerships with several major automotive manufacturers, including Toyota, General Motors, and Ford, to provide infotainment systems for their vehicles.
Current Owner of Harman
So, who is the current owner of Harman? In 2017, Samsung Electronics acquired Harman International Industries for approximately $8 billion. The acquisition was a strategic move by Samsung to expand its presence in the automotive and audio markets. Today, Harman operates as a subsidiary of Samsung, continuing to design, manufacture, and market its innovative audio and infotainment systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the owner of Harman is Samsung Electronics, a South Korean multinational conglomerate. However, the story of Harman is more than just its current ownership. It is a story of innovation, passion, and dedication to excellence. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading player in the audio and infotainment industry, Harman has always been driven by a commitment to quality and innovation. As the company continues to evolve and grow, it is likely that we will see even more exciting developments and innovations from this iconic brand.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the history and evolution of Harman, it is clear that the company’s success is a result of its strong foundation, strategic acquisitions, and innovative spirit. The acquisition by Samsung has brought new resources and opportunities to the company, and it will be exciting to see how Harman continues to shape the future of audio and infotainment. Whether you are an audiophile, a music lover, or simply someone who appreciates quality and innovation, Harman is a brand that is sure to continue to impress and inspire.
Key Takeaways
The key takeaways from this article are:
- Harman International Industries was founded in 1980 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon.
- The company has a long history of innovation and excellence in the audio and infotainment industry.
- Harman was acquired by Samsung Electronics in 2017 for approximately $8 billion.
- Today, Harman operates as a subsidiary of Samsung, continuing to design, manufacture, and market its innovative audio and infotainment systems.
As we conclude this article, we hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of Harman, as well as its current ownership and future prospects. Whether you are a long-time fan of the brand or simply someone who is interested in learning more, we are confident that you will find Harman’s story to be fascinating and inspiring.
Who is the current owner of Harman?
The current owner of Harman is Samsung Electronics, a South Korean multinational electronics company. Samsung acquired Harman International Industries in 2017 for approximately $8 billion. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in the history of Harman, as it became a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest technology companies. The acquisition has enabled Harman to leverage Samsung’s vast resources and expertise to further develop its audio and automotive technologies.
As a result of the acquisition, Harman has been able to expand its product offerings and strengthen its position in the market. The company has continued to operate as a separate entity, with its own management team and brand identity. However, it has been able to benefit from Samsung’s global reach and scale, as well as its expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). This has enabled Harman to develop new and innovative products, such as smart speakers and connected car systems, that integrate seamlessly with Samsung’s other products and services.
What is the history of Harman International Industries?
Harman International Industries was founded in 1980 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon. The company started as a manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment, including speakers, amplifiers, and other audio components. Over the years, Harman expanded its product line to include a wide range of audio and infotainment systems for the automotive and consumer markets. The company acquired several other audio equipment manufacturers, including JBL, Infinity, and Lexicon, and became a leading player in the global audio industry.
Throughout its history, Harman has been committed to innovation and quality, and has developed a reputation for producing high-performance audio systems that deliver exceptional sound quality. The company has also been at the forefront of technological advancements in the audio industry, including the development of digital signal processing and surround sound systems. Today, Harman is a leading provider of audio and infotainment systems for the automotive and consumer markets, and its products are used by many of the world’s leading automakers and audio equipment manufacturers.
What are the main products and services offered by Harman?
Harman offers a wide range of products and services, including audio and infotainment systems for the automotive and consumer markets. The company’s product line includes speakers, amplifiers, head units, and other audio components, as well as connected car systems and smart audio solutions. Harman also provides a range of services, including system design and integration, software development, and technical support. The company’s products and services are used by many of the world’s leading automakers, including Toyota, Ford, and Volkswagen, as well as by consumers who value high-quality audio equipment.
In addition to its audio and infotainment systems, Harman also offers a range of other products and services, including noise reduction and audio processing technologies. The company’s noise reduction technologies are used in a wide range of applications, including automotive, aerospace, and industrial systems. Harman’s audio processing technologies are used to enhance the sound quality of audio systems, and are used in a wide range of applications, including music recording and playback, as well as public address and sound reinforcement systems.
How has Harman evolved over the years?
Harman has undergone significant evolution over the years, driven by changes in technology, market trends, and consumer preferences. The company started as a manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment, but has since expanded its product line to include a wide range of audio and infotainment systems for the automotive and consumer markets. Harman has also made several strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of JBL, Infinity, and Lexicon, which have helped to expand its product line and strengthen its position in the market.
In recent years, Harman has focused on developing connected car systems and smart audio solutions, which integrate seamlessly with other devices and systems. The company has also invested heavily in research and development, and has developed a range of new technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning-based audio processing algorithms. These technologies have enabled Harman to develop new and innovative products, such as smart speakers and voice-controlled audio systems, which are designed to meet the changing needs of consumers and automakers.
What is Harman’s position in the global audio market?
Harman is a leading player in the global audio market, with a strong position in the automotive and consumer markets. The company’s products and services are used by many of the world’s leading automakers, and its audio equipment is highly regarded by consumers who value high-quality sound. Harman’s global reach and scale, combined with its expertise in audio and infotainment systems, have enabled it to establish a strong position in the market and to compete effectively with other leading audio equipment manufacturers.
Harman’s position in the global audio market has been further strengthened by its acquisition by Samsung Electronics, which has provided the company with access to significant resources and expertise. The acquisition has enabled Harman to expand its product line and to develop new and innovative products, such as smart speakers and connected car systems, which integrate seamlessly with Samsung’s other products and services. As a result, Harman is well-positioned to continue to grow and evolve in the global audio market, and to remain a leading player in the industry for years to come.
What are the future plans and strategies of Harman?
Harman’s future plans and strategies are focused on continuing to develop and innovate in the areas of audio and infotainment systems, as well as on expanding its presence in the global market. The company plans to leverage its expertise in audio and infotainment systems, combined with Samsung’s resources and expertise, to develop new and innovative products and services that meet the changing needs of consumers and automakers. Harman also plans to continue to invest in research and development, and to explore new technologies and applications, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In the automotive market, Harman plans to focus on developing connected car systems and smart audio solutions that integrate seamlessly with other devices and systems. The company also plans to expand its presence in the consumer market, through the development of new and innovative audio products, such as smart speakers and voice-controlled audio systems. Overall, Harman’s future plans and strategies are focused on continuing to innovate and evolve, and on remaining a leading player in the global audio market. The company is well-positioned to achieve its goals, given its strong position in the market, its expertise in audio and infotainment systems, and its access to Samsung’s resources and expertise.