Samsung’s Harman Acquires Masimo’s Audio Division for $350 Million to Strengthen Automotive Tech Footprint
May 9, 2025 — Samsung Electronics’ subsidiary Harman International has announced a strategic acquisition of the audio division of U.S.-based Masimo Corporation for $350 million, further cementing its position in the global automotive and consumer electronics markets. The deal marks a significant move in Samsung's ongoing expansion strategy and has sparked speculation around more tech-focused acquisitions in the near future.
May 9, 2025 — Samsung Electronics’ subsidiary Harman International has announced a strategic acquisition of the audio division of U.S.-based Masimo Corporation for $350 million, further cementing its position in the global automotive and consumer electronics markets. The deal marks a significant move in Samsung's ongoing expansion strategy and has sparked speculation around more tech-focused acquisitions in the near future.
Boosting Harman’s Automotive Audio and Connected Car Capabilities
With this acquisition, Harman reinforces its competitiveness in automotive electronics and smart in-cabin experiences, adding premium audio technologies to its portfolio. Industry experts consider the deal one of the most notable in the audio sector in recent years and see it as a continuation of Samsung’s 2017 acquisition of Harman, which was also a multi-billion-dollar deal aimed at dominating the connected car space.
Analysts believe future acquisitions will target companies with semiconductor technologies for automotive communication and power systems, with names like NXP (Netherlands) and Infineon Technologies (Germany) reportedly under consideration.
Aligning with Samsung’s AI, Robotics, and Healthcare Ambitions
At its March 2025 shareholders' meeting, Samsung Electronics emphasized the strategic importance of artificial intelligence and robotics for sustainable growth. The company also highlighted its proactive efforts in acquiring new technologies and capabilities in these areas.
In late 2023, Samsung launched a new business development unit known as the Future Business Planning Group, appointing Ko Han-seung, former president of Samsung Bioepis, as its head. Given his achievements in Samsung’s biotech ventures, insiders speculate that biomedical device companies may become future acquisition targets to create synergies with Samsung’s existing healthcare business units.
Furthermore, Samsung is continuing to invest in both AI and robotics. During the Q1 2025 earnings call, CFO Park Soon-chul revealed the company is actively advancing internal development and external partnerships in both hardware and software within the robotics sector. These initiatives demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to expanding its technology and market leadership through calculated M&A activity.
