Samsung Keeps Harman Brands

Don't expect Samsung to rock the boat at Harman.

When the Korean giant announced its planned $8 billion acquisition of Harman earlier this week, it was said to be all about the audio conglomerate's automotive technology. "Approximately 65 percent of Harman's $7.0 billion of reported sales during the 12 months ended September 30, 2016 are automotive-related," crowed the press release announcing the deal.

But owning Harman will give Samsung a wide range of brands that are also widely identified as leaders in home and portable audio, too. Barring an unlikely snag in the planned deal, Samsung will soon own such stalwart audio brands as JBL, Infinity, AKG, Mark Levinson, Revel and -- of course -- Harman Kardon, to name just a few. It will also get Harman's professional audio brands, too -- everything from guitar pedals (DigiTech) to microphones (AKG) to mixing desks (Soundcraft) to sound reinforcement (JBL Professional).