Harman
by Samsung Electronics ·Suwon, South Korea
- Page last updated
- 11 October 2026
About Harman
Harman is owned by Samsung Electronics. Samsung agreed to buy it in November 2016 for about $8.0 billion, closed the deal in March 2017, and Harman has run as a wholly-owned Samsung subsidiary ever since.
That makes Harman the home of JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Infinity, Mark Levinson and Revel. It also owns pro audio and lighting names like Crown, Soundcraft and Martin, and since September 2025, Bowers & Wilkins, Denon and Marantz.
Then there's the car business, which made up about 65% of Harman's sales when Samsung bought it. What you won't find here: Galaxy phones, Samsung TVs or Samsung-branded soundbars. Those sit under other Samsung brands.
Who owns JBL?
Samsung does, through Harman. JBL is one of Harman's brands, and Harman has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics since March 2017.
So when you buy a JBL Flip or a PartyBox, the money ends up with Samsung. But JBL still runs as its own brand, and its launches are announced through Harman's newsroom.
There's a pro side too. JBL Professional is one of the Harman Professional brands that serve live shows, cinemas and big venues. Same parent, very different buyer.
Who owns Harman, and since when?
Samsung Electronics, since March 2017. The deal was announced on November 14, 2016 at $112 a share in cash, a total equity value of roughly $8.0 billion.
Harman's shares stopped trading on the New York Stock Exchange in March 2017 and were delisted. Samsung said Harman would operate as a standalone subsidiary and keep its headquarters.
That's still the setup. Harman is based in Stamford, Connecticut, has kept its own leadership team, and describes itself as a wholly-owned Samsung subsidiary with about 27,000 employees.
Which brands does Harman own?
More than most people expect. On the consumer side Harman lists AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson and Revel.
In September 2025 it completed its purchase of Sound United, Masimo's former consumer audio business. That added Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, HEOS, Classe and Boston Acoustics. Sound United runs as its own unit inside Harman's Lifestyle Division.
Harman Professional covers the stage and install market with JBL Professional, AKG, Crown, Soundcraft, dbx, BSS, Lexicon, AMX and Martin. Think concerts, stadiums, cinemas, houses of worship and boardrooms.
What does Harman do for carmakers?
Much more than speakers. Harman Automotive sells automakers digital cockpit displays, augmented reality head-up displays, connectivity, over-the-air software updates and in-cabin safety features, alongside branded car audio.
Harman says more than 50 million vehicles worldwide rely on its technology. Cars have been the core for a while: when Samsung announced the deal, about 65% of Harman's $7.0 billion in sales was automotive.
It's still growing that side. As of September 2026, Harman had a pending deal to buy ZF's ADAS (driver assistance) business, which is expected to join Harman Automotive once it closes.
How does Harman fit with Samsung's other brands?
Harman is Samsung's audio and car tech specialist, and it sits beside the Samsung-branded ranges rather than inside them.
On Brandligo, Samsung TV and Audio holds the TVs, soundbars and speakers sold under the Samsung name. Samsung Galaxy holds the phones, watches and Galaxy Buds. SmartThings covers the connected home.
The two worlds do meet, though. Samsung's own newsroom says the original Galaxy Buds were tuned by acoustic engineers at AKG to the Harman Target Curve. So a bit of Harman know-how shows up in Galaxy gear, even without a JBL badge on it.
Who is Harman for?
Depends which Harman you mean. Shoppers meet it through JBL speakers, Harman Kardon and AKG, or high-end names like Mark Levinson, Revel and Bowers & Wilkins.
Venues, studios, cinemas and broadcasters deal with Harman Professional. Automakers deal with Harman Automotive, and most drivers meet that side as the sound system or screens in a new car.
Want a soundbar from the same maker as your Samsung TV? Samsung TV and Audio is the more direct route. Earbuds to go with a Galaxy phone? Start with Galaxy Buds under Samsung Galaxy.
What should you check before buying or partnering?
Check which brand you're actually dealing with. JBL, Harman Kardon and AKG are sold as separate brands, and the Sound United names still operate as a separate unit.
For pro gear, buy through Harman Professional's authorized channels and confirm who services it in your country.
Partnering on the car side happens at carmaker level. Harman sells turn-key and co-developed systems to automakers, so expect an engineering project, not a price list. And watch the ZF deal. Once it closes, driver assistance becomes part of what Harman Automotive can offer.
Products (4)
JBL
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No reviews yetHarman Kardon
No reviews yetHarman automotive audio
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