Best known for its in-car to pro audio solutions Harman International Industries, has added the AMX brand to its portfolio. Harman has agreed to acquire AMX from The Duchossois Group, Inc. and its affiliates for US$365 million. AMX is the leading provider of enterprise control and automation systems and audio and video switching and distributing solutions. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals.
“Our vision is to extend our reach beyond the car into the enterprise, where we already have a substantial audio presence,” explained Dinesh C. Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO of Harmon “AMX is the global technology leader in enterprise control and automation as well as audio and video switching and distribution. With the addition of AMX, Harman will be uniquely positioned to provide complete audio, video, lighting and automation solutions to our customers globally.”
AMX will be integrated into Harman’s Professional division, which already encompasses brands including AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown amplifiers, dbx, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, Studer and Martin lighting. Harman’s Professional division designs, manufactures and markets professional audio and lighting products for recording and broadcast, musicians, cinema, touring sound, commercial applications like airports, stadiums, hotels and concert halls..
Robert L. Fealy, president and chief operating officer of the Duchossois Group and chairman of AMX, justified the sale on the grounds that acquisition by a larger entity provided the best opportunity for AMX to grow and succeed. This is the latest of a number of acquisitions of highly specialist businesses by large CE groups. The jury is still out on most as to whether the move benefits either business in the ways they expect in these acquisitions.
