Seoul, South Korea - HARMAN International, a Samsung Electronics company focused on connected technologies for the automotive, consumer, and enterprise sectors, announced the acquisition of Roon Labs.
Why it matters:
The acquisition demonstrates HARMAN's commitment to advancing high-fidelity audio technology.
It is part of HARMAN's strategy to broaden its audio technology portfolio and enhance personalized listening experiences across multiple platforms.
It represents a strategic expansion to meet the growing consumer demand for premium audio experiences in different environments.
The Key Points:
- Since its inception in 2015, Roon Labs has been known for its easy-to-use music management and streaming platform for audiophiles.
- The platform supports high-quality audio playback and is compatible with over 1,000 devices from over 160 brands.
- Roon's Nucleus server hardware is optimized for high-performance streaming and has established a global presence.
- Following the acquisition, Roon will operate as a division within HARMAN's Lifestyle Audio group, focusing on increased R&D and broader support for lossless streaming formats.
What they say:
Dave Rogers, President of HARMAN's Lifestyle Division, emphasized the complementary nature of the acquisition, noting that Roon's technical expertise aligns with HARMAN's goals of enhancing the audio experience.
Enno Vandermeer, CEO of Roon, expressed optimism about the acquisition, highlighting the growth potential and enhanced market position for Roon within HARMAN's infrastructure.
What Comes Next:
The acquisition enables new cross-platform initiatives, including the potential integration of Roon's technology into connected vehicles.
The collaboration aims to bring personalized, studio-grade audio experiences to a global audience by leveraging the combined strengths of both companies.
The strategic move is expected to accelerate innovation and development in high-fidelity audio.
