October 22, 2018 -- The newly released Infinity by Harman® Kappa Series of speakers from Harman International, Inc. is the new standard in on-the-water audio fidelity. The patent-pending design is engineered to overcome the limitations of vertical space that's common on boats to deliver premium sound whether seated or standing. They made their Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show debut, Oct. 31–Nov. 4 in the Florida Dream Boat.

The three new Kappa Series speakers are available with titanium or white grilles. They feature a possible seven RGB colors in the center mount and perimeter for an exclusive appearance unlike anything else on the market. UV- and water-resistant, they are built for a harsh marine environment.

The Kappa Series is more than exceptional looks, however. The audio performance rivals that of a luxury automobile. No matter the volume, the sound is clear and precise.

The 6.5" speaker boasts 100W RMS, 300W peak power for critical audio reproduction. The 8” three-way speaker contains 200W RMS, 500W peak while the 10" passive free air subwoofer carries 300W RMS, 900W peak power for deep, powerful lows that you’ll feel in your chest.

The 8" three-way speaker is unique in that the mid tweeter is removable creating a convertible design and give mounting options no other speaker offers. Once removed, the objective is to place it ear level, lifting the unidirectional mids and highs off the ground. What’s left is the omnidirectional bass. This flexible option allows the soundstage to be raised, resulting in a full auditory experience. Upon removal of the 3 ½” mid tweeter, a replica pod sets in place thus completing the original look of the speaker.

The 6.5" speaker retails for $299.95/pair; the 8", $399.95/pair; and the 10” subwoofer, $349.95/ea.

Watch a video of the Infinity by Harman Kappa Series on YouTube.

Contact Shawn Spedding at 816-385-1944 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Experience the incredible fidelity of Infinity Kappa Series at FLIBS (Ft. Lauderdale International Boat show), Oct. 31–Nov. 4, Orange Zone Electronics Tent 351.

USA Today Money -- Forgive the irresistible Spinal Tap reference (“But this (speaker) goes up to … 11?” says a puzzled Christopher Guest to Rob Reiner), but Harman International Industries (HAR) is busy cranking up the business volume for its growing array of in-car audio brands. On Thursday, the Stamford, Conn.-based company — which owns JBL, Bang & Olufsen, Harman Kardon among others — announced it had secured $3.2 billion in orders from a range of top automakers in the first four months of 2015.

Although the company missed on Q1 earnings and revenue this week — $1.22 a share and $1.46 billion respectively, compared to Thompson Reuters analyst expectations of $1.27 and $1.48 billion — its strong position with automakers in the mushrooming connected-car space would seem to bode well for the future. Sales growth has ranged from 17% to 32% over the last seven quarters.

The $3.2 billion in orders includes agreements with BMW, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler. Some of Harman products appear in high-end models, such as the premium $6,300 Bang & Olufsen system that’s an option on the Audi A8 sedan.

Harman is emerging as a leading player in the battle for the automotive interior, an increasingly gadget-connected space that buyers of the even the least expensive automobiles will expect to interact with their mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches. Harman products already feature integration with Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android tech. Silicon Valley rumors swirl that Apple is itself getting the car-making game, but others think it’s far more likely that the Cupertino giant is simply trying to own the infotainment system inside the vehicle given the growing role it’s playing in the car-purchase experience.

Read the rest of the story here: http://americasmarkets.usatoday.com/2015/05/01/harman-turns-up-profits-to-11/

The flagship aftermarket car speaker line delivers innovation and superior design for an elevated consumer listening experience

STAMFORD, CT (June 2, 2016) – HARMAN International Industries has announced its flagship line of automotive component speakers, Infinity Kappa Perfect, delivering what it calls "the ultimate expression of technology, performance and design within its car aftermarket audio products."

The Kappa Perfect component speaker systems provide super-premium performance and flexibility, paired with leading design and technology. The three systems work to deliver Infinity’s signature accuracy, solid response and the ultimate listening experience to deliver impressive audio impact and raise the component speaker system standard.

Featuring a combination of premium materials and cutting edge design, the Kappa Perfect component speakers include HARMAN’s patented Plus One™ carbon fiber woofer cone architecture and precision die-cast baskets. To help bring out music’s true character and enhanced extension, Infinity has developed a high-definition edge-driven 30kHz polyimide tweeter, and the entire line benefits from oversized voice coils and Harman’s True Four-Ohm impedance design.  

The Kappa Perfect component speaker systems include an innovative switchable crossover that allows the selection of either 2-way or 3-way system configurations. With the addition of the Kappa Perfect 300m midrange speaker to any of the three component systems, consumers have the ability to reconfigure from a 2-way system into a three-way system simply by flipping a switch on the crossover. The crossover also features an IPx2-rated weatherproof housing and can be safely mounted in a door.

“This newest update to the Kappa Perfect line expresses Infinity’s latest technology, performance and design in aftermarket car speaker systems. Combining our legendary sound and leading-edge industrial design, the innovative Kappa Perfect component speakers incorporate the latest in acoustic technology and elevate the audio listening experience for consumers,” said Jeffery Fay, VP and GM of Aftermarket Services at HARMAN.

The flagship Kappa Perfect line consists of three component systems (Kappa Perfect 500, Perfect 600, Perfect 900) each featuring two mid/woofers (5-1/4”, 6-1/2”, 6 x 9” respectively), two speaker grilles, two high-definition, edge-driven 30kHz polyimide tweeters, two crossovers, two tweeter surface mount kits, two patented I-Mount™ flush mounts kits, two adapter rings for the mid/woofers, necessary mounting hardware and an owner’s/installation manual. Separate Perfect 300m midrange drivers round out the offering.

Technical Specifications and Pricing:

Kappa Perfect 500 – Extreme performance 2-way component system

Power Handling: 100W RMS, 400W peak

Sensitivity (@ 2.83V): 89dB

Frequency Response: 60Hz – 30kHz

Woofer Voice Coil Diameter: 1-1/2” (38mm)

Impedance: 3.5 ohms

Retail value: $579.95

Kappa Perfect 600 – Extreme performance 2-way component system

Power Handling: 100 RMS, 400W peak

Sensitivity (@ 2.83V): 90dB

Frequency Response: 60Hz – 30KHz

Woofer Voice Coil Diameter: 1-1/2” (38mm)

Impedance: 3.5 ohms

Retail Value: $599.95

Kappa Perfect 900 – Extreme performance 2-way component system

Power Handling: 150 RMS, 600W peak

Sensitivity (@ 2.83V): 91dB

Frequency Response: 40Hz – 30KHz

Woofer Voice Coil Diameter: 1-1/2” (38mm)

Impedance: 3.5 ohms

Retail value: $699.95

Kappa Perfect 300m – Extreme performance midrange speakers

Power Handling: 75 RMS, 300W peak (with crossover)

Sensitivity (@ 2.83V): 88dB

Frequency Response: 150Hz – 10KHz

Woofer Voice Coil Diameter: 1” (25mm)

Impedance: 3.5 ohms

Retail value: $169.95

For additional information visit www.infinityspeakers.com. 

HARMAN International Industries announced a strategic partnership to extend Dirac’s digital audio solutions and superior tuning technology to HARMAN’s best-in-class automotive audio and infotainment system applications.

Through this partnership, HARMAN will also become a worldwide distributor of Dirac’s sound technologies to automotive sound system suppliers and car manufacturers, bringing together HARMAN's legacy of premium audio and Dirac’s mission to develop technologies for the ultimate sound experience. 

This collaboration builds on HARMAN’s existing partnership with Dirac that provides the Bowers & Wilkins premium in-car surround system for the Volvo XC90 with Dirac’s advanced sound optimization technology Dirac Unison™. HARMAN will implement Dirac’s advanced digital audio technologies to enhance the in-car entertainment experience for consumers and enable automakers to further differentiate and elevate their sound systems across brands and car lines. 

“Dirac continues to be a leader in the development of audio quality optimization technologies, and we are pleased to integrate their exceptional solutions with HARMAN’s superior audio systems to bring best-in-class audio to our automotive partners around the world,” said Michael Mauser, Executive Vice President and President, Lifestyle Audio at HARMAN. “Integrating Dirac technologies into HARMAN’s products will further create great lifestyle experiences for today's connected generation through premium automotive audio and infotainment systems.”

“HARMAN has become the premier audio and infotainment provider for automotive applications, and we’re thrilled to work closely together and add our digital audio solutions to the most compelling automotive audio portfolio in the world,” commented Mathias Johansson, CEO of Dirac. “The team at Dirac will be fully vested in developing new digital audio solutions for the automotive market segment as we collaborate with HARMAN to bring the highest level of value and innovation to the most sophisticated automotive environments.”

HARMAN automotive partners will now have the opportunity to license Dirac’s advanced technologies for sound optimization directly within eligible models, including room correction, sound field synthesis, active room treatment and more. Additionally, HARMAN will work closely with Dirac R&D engineers to ensure seamless integration of Dirac’s existing and new technologies into automotive audio and infotainment system applications. 

HARMAN partners with Navdy for exclusive rights to sell co-branded, aftermarket heads-up display device to automotive OEMs, specialty auto/audio and select mobile carrier channels globally.

12-6-2016, STAMFORD, CT -- HARMAN has announced that it will offer an aftermarket Augmented Reality (AR) Driving Device to automotive OEMs through a strategic partnership with the first aftermarket heads-up driving (HUD) device, Navdy. As part of the agreement, HARMAN will have exclusive rights to distribute the new co-branded aftermarket Navdy with HARMAN device to automotive OEMs, specialty auto and audio channels as well as select mobile carriers globally.

Introduced last month, the new Navdy product projects both mobile application information and car data information directly over the road allowing drivers to Look Forward© while Staying Connected©. The aftermarket HUD solutionleverages AR technology to project car, phone and music information directly in the driver's line of sight, creating a new type of driving experience that is both safe and satisfying.

The initial offering will be a co-branded Navdy with HARMAN aftermarket device combining the innovative Navdy technology with the strength of the HARMAN brand. In January of 2017, the aftermarket device will be available direct to automotive OEM customers globally and to consumers in North America through well-known specialty auto/audio outlets. Product bundles with synergistic HARMAN products such as the JBL® Trip will also be made available in select markets.

“We are pleased to partner with HARMAN, which brings a wealth of experience across brands, technology and global networks that will expand our reach. The product is available in North America with plans to extend to Europe, Asia and South America. The Navdy with HARMAN device joins a number of automotive aftermarket product innovations from HARMAN’s well-known brands like JBL,” according to Doug Simpson, founder and CEO of Navdy.

Navdy's breakthrough user interface projects a transparent image on the road ahead and incorporates advanced software that lets drivers interact with their smartphones hands-free using hand gestures to accept calls and respond to messages. Having maps, calls, messages, notifications, music, and car information projected directly over the road results in a safer connected driving experience. The augmented driving device software is also tightly integrated with the OBD-II interface of the car allowing access to important car information such as speed and fuel level on the transparent screen.

“Consumers today are keenly aware of the risks posed by distractions due to mobile texting and phone calls while driving. They want products that make the connected car experience safe while increasing driver satisfaction. These are two reasons why Car Toys is seeing tremendous growth in Driver Assistance products and why solutions that reduce distracted driving are resonating powerfully with consumers. There is a lot of pent up demand for a robust HUD solution and we are extremely excited about HARMAN’s entry into the aftermarket category – especially with the powerful Navdy with HARMAN product. We are looking forward to offering our customers a product that makes driving safer and drivers happier,” said Jim Warren, vice president, merchandising & marketing, Car Toys.

According to a recent IHS Markit survey, consumer demand for HUD technology is rapidly increasing. The survey found that 55 percent of new car intenders in the U.S. would like to have or desire to have HUD technology in their next car. Technology like Navdy is well-positioned to meet the demands of the growing market.

“HARMAN is known for setting the standard for solutions that improve the in-car driving experience. From automotive audio to embedded infotainment to aftermarket devices, HARMAN has pioneered the introduction of innovations that make driving safer, more enjoyable, and more secure. HARMAN’s partnership with Navdy to co-brand and distribute the new Navdy device follows this tradition by being the first to introduce to our automotive channel a heads-up display solution that offers an impressive feature set,” said Sanjay Dhawan, president, HARMAN Connected Services. “This new relationship broadens HARMAN’s portfolio of solutions for the automotive aftermarket, which is a $2.7 billion market and growing, to address consumers’ desire for a safe and convenient use of smartphone applications. We’re looking forward to working with Navdy to explore additional opportunities that leverage our joint expertise in software functionality and hardware design in automotive.” 

Those interested in learning more about the Navdy with HARMAN device can view a video here and access product and purchasing information here. 

8-9-2017 -- HARMAN will be attending the upcoming MERA Knowledgefest in Dallas on August 11th – 14th and showing products from JBL, Infinity and Navdy.

Retailers can stop by booth 302 to experience Navdy by Harman as well as the JBL UB4100 Powersports Bar and check out the new Infinity Kappa Loudspeaker Lineup and JBL Stadium Series.

Additionally, the company will be hosting a happy hour on Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 – 4:30pm in celebration of JBL’s 70th anniversary (also at booth 302).  

Holly Hill, Fla. – August 25, 2023 – Metra Electronics® has collaborated with HARMAN International Industries, the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets, to create new plug-n-play audio systems for select 2014-2022 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. These products are in stock and shipping now and pair Harman's Infinity Kappa Perfect PowerSports Amplifiers and Speakers with DSP Processor system integration and installation equipment from Metra's Saddle Tramp® brand. Three new audio system integration kits are available for select Road Glide and Street Glide motorcycles, in addition to accessory lower fairing installation kits for twin-cooled and non-twin-cooled applications:

• 2-Speaker Plug-N-Play Audio System (INFKP2SPKSYS)
• 4-Speaker Plug-N-Play Audio System (INFKP4SPKSYS)
• 6-Speaker Plug-N-Play Audio System (INFKP6SPKSYS)
• Twin-Cooled Engine Lower Fairing Speaker Upgrade Kit (INFKPTCKIT)
• Non-Twin-Cooled Engine Lower Fairing Speaker Upgrade Kit (INFKPNTCKIT)
• Saddlebag Speaker Upgrade Kit (INFKP900XKIT)

Harman's Infinity Kappa Perfect PowerSports Amplifiers are high-performance multi-environment amplifiers engineered to meet the demands of small footprint-dependent installation locations and withstand extreme environments. They feature Molex connectors to mate with a Saddle Tramp DSP with a small footprint to fit into tight fairings easily. The Infinity Kappa Perfect Speakers utilize many industry-first materials, such as Basalt Fiber Woofers with Plus One™ Technology, lightweight neodymium motors, and a removable Polyphenylene Sulfide-dome tweeter which is certified for Hi-Resolution Audio. Factory fit grills accompany the 6.5” and 6x9” speakers for a seamless look.

​​Once paired with Saddle Tramp’s DSP, Harman’s acoustic sound engineers tune the amplifiers and speakers to create a best-in-class audio performance. The DSP flattens the factory audio settings through its head unit CAN connection. Detailed work instructions and the included vehicle-specific brackets make the job simple to install and provide a factory-quality result that installers can be proud of and end consumers can do on their own.

HARMAN Kappa Perfect KP5004 amplifier

• Max power: 1250W peak
• RMS power output @ 2 ohms (full-range): 125W x 4, <1% THD+N
• RMS power output @ 4 ohms (full-range): 75W x 4, <1% THD+N
• RMS power output @ 4 ohms bridged (full-range): 250W x 2, <1% THD+N
• Selectable crossover:
  • Front: High-pass @ full/60/80/120Hz
  • Rear: All-pass, high-pass, or low-pass @ 60/80/120Hz
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio (full-range): >75dB (ref 1W output @ 4 ohms)
• Fuse rating: 40 amps
• Dimensions: 200mm x 85mm x 45mm
• All wires terminated with Molex or Molex-style connectors

HARMAN Infinity Kappa Perfect 600X 6.5" speakers

• Power handling: 80W RMS, 240W peak
• Sensitivity (@ 2.83V): 95dB
• Frequency response: 60Hz – 20kHz
• Impedance: 3.0 ohms
• Basalt fiber woofer with Plus One™ technology
• 1" edge-driven polyphenylene sulfide-dome tweeter
• Removable tweeter design for component configuration
• IPX5-rated speaker front, weather-resistant speaker back side

HARMAN Infinity Kappa Perfect 900X 6"x9" speakers

• Power handling: 100W RMS, 300W peak
• Sensitivity (@ 2.83V): 95dB
• Frequency response: 50Hz – 20kHz
• Impedance: 3.0 ohms
• Basalt fiber woofer with Plus One™ technology
• 1" edge-driven polyphenylene sulfide-dome tweeter
• Removable tweeter design for component configuration
• IPX5-rated speaker front, weather-resistant speaker back side

Saddle Tramp Integration Solution

• Saddle Tramp® BC-DSPX-HD2 DSP processor interface that automatically detects and reflashes factory head unit
• Vehicle-specific wiring harness
• Amplifier brackets to fit Street Glide and Road Glide
• Complete installation instructions

These new products are in stock and shipping and will be showcased at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra's 2023 SEMA Show booths, October 31st - November 3rd. Contact your Metra Electronics sales representative or visit MetraPowersports.com for more information.

At Metra, 12volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for 75+ years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine®, Daytona Lights®, and Tsunami®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

HARMAN International (harman.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co, LTD., designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In 2017, HARMAN became a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.

April 10, 2019 -- The new Infinity KAPPA-PRV515 all-in-one mechless waterproof faceplate stereo receiver has all the incredible desired options expected from the renowned luxury brand. What sets it apart however, is the ability to control RGB speakers and accessory LED colors from the unit, without mobile apps or an additional remote as well as a host of other features.

Whether matching the boat décor or mood, it's easy to set the desired RGB color using the rotary encoder. The KAPPA-PRV515 will control up to nine speakers and/or accessories with the optional MIL-LEDPWR module.

The KAPPA-PRV515 is first and foremost a stereo receiver. Bosting 50W x 4 @ 4 ohms and 2-ohm stability create impressive power, without the distortion and muddiness common with lesser units. Bass, mid and treble adjustments, and four zones—front, rear, sub and secondary—ensure a superior soundstage that matches the musical genre. The Zone control requires the optional INF-REM1 Wired Rotary control. The faceplate incorporates a 3.5" color TFT screen.

The feature rich KAPPA-PRV515 continues to impress. It receives AM/FM/WB/RDS broadcasts, and is Sirius/XM-ready, displaying the station ID in color. With Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs, everyone can find a way to play their favorite music. With video input, it's easy to view a bait or livewell, or use it when backing up with a separately purchased camera.

The USB input reads WMAs and MP3s, and plays tracks/displays artwork if an Apple® device is connected.

The 5-7/8" W" x 4" H x 1" D faceplate uses a standard 3.5" round cutout. With built-in NMEA 2000 protocol , networking is easy. It comes wired remote-ready. Complementing the new line of high-performance Kappa speakers, the Inf inity KAPPA-PRV515 stereo receiver MAP price is $549.95. The INF-REM1 and MIL-LEDPWR MAP price at $119.95 and $149.95 respectively.

11-14-2016 -- Samsung Electronics and Harman International Industries announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Samsung will acquire HARMAN for approximately $8.0 billion. Upon closing, the transaction will immediately give Samsung a significant presence in the large and rapidly growing market for connected technologies, particularly automotive electronics, which has been a strategic priority for Samsung, and is expected to grow to more than $100 billion by 2025.

HARMAN is the market leader in connected car solutions, with more than 30 million vehicles currently equipped with its connected car and audio systems, including embedded infotainment, telematics, connected safety and security. Approximately 65% of HARMAN’s $7.0 billion of reported sales during the 12 months ended September 30, 2016 are automotive-related, and its order backlog for this market at June 30, 2016 was approximately $24 billion.

HARMAN’s experience designing and integrating sophisticated in-vehicle technologies, as well as its long-term relationships with most of the world’s largest automakers, will create significant growth opportunities for the combined business by enabling it to leverage Samsung’s expertise in connected mobility, semiconductors, user experience, displays and its global distribution channels. In addition, the combination of HARMAN’s brands and audio capabilities and Samsung’s expertise in consumer electronics will deliver enhanced customer benefits and elevate user experiences across Samsung’s complete portfolio of consumer and professional products and systems.

“HARMAN perfectly complements Samsung in terms of technologies, products and solutions, and joining forces is a natural extension of the automotive strategy we have been pursuing for some time,” said Oh-Hyun Kwon, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Electronics.  “As a Tier 1 automotive supplier with deep customer relationships, strong brands, leading technology and a recognized portfolio of best-in-class products, HARMAN immediately establishes a strong foundation for Samsung to grow our automotive platform. Dinesh Paliwal is a proven global leader and, in our extensive discussions, we have developed deep respect for him, his strong senior leadership team and HARMAN’s talented employees.  HARMAN’s sustained track record of rapid growth fueled by technology leadership and an unmatched automotive order pipeline reflects its commitment to innovation and customers.”

“The vehicle of tomorrow will be transformed by smart technology and connectivity in the same way that simple feature phones have become sophisticated smart devices over the past decade,” added Young Sohn, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Samsung Electronics. “We see substantial long-term growth opportunities in the auto technology market as demand for Samsung’s specialized electronic components and solutions continues to grow.  Working together, we are confident that HARMAN can become a new kind of Tier 1 provider to the OEMs by delivering end-to-end solutions across the connected ecosystem.”

Dinesh Paliwal, HARMAN Chairman, President and CEO, stated, “This compelling all-cash transaction will deliver significant and immediate value to our shareholders and provide new opportunities for our employees as part of a larger, more diversified company.  Today’s announcement is a testament to what we have achieved and the value that we have created for shareholders.  Samsung is an ideal partner for HARMAN and this transaction will provide tremendous benefits to our automotive customers and consumers around the world.  Combining Samsung’s strengths in leading-edge displays, connectivity and processing solutions with HARMAN’s technology leadership and long-standing customer relationships will enable OEMs to provide new offerings for their customers.  Partnerships and scale are essential to winning over the long term in automotive as demand for robust connected car and autonomous driving solutions increases at a rapid pace.  This transaction will bring HARMAN and Samsung’s complementary strengths together to accelerate innovation in this space. More broadly, this investment underscores the strength of HARMAN’s employees, as well as our success and leadership across our markets.  We look forward to working together with Samsung to elevate experiences for consumers worldwide.”

Customer Benefits and Significant Growth Opportunities

Samsung expects the combination to deliver significant growth opportunities and benefits to customers by leveraging Samsung’s and HARMAN’s complementary technologies, resulting in increased market penetration across important end markets.

• Automotive:  Combining HARMAN’s leadership in new connected car technologies, including its top positions in infotainment, cyber security, over-the-air updates and telematics, with Samsung’s significant expertise and experience in connectivity technologies, including 5G, UX/UI, display technology and security solutions, will enhance HARMAN’s automotive and connected services businesses to drive greater sales and provide significant benefits as automakers speed the adoption of next-generation connected cars.

• Audio:  HARMAN’s leading brands and cutting-edge audio systems include JBL®, Harman Kardon®, Mark Levinson®, AKG®, Lexicon®, Infinity®, and Revel®.  The company also licenses Bowers & Wilkins® and Bang & Olufsen® brands for automotive.  All of these brands will greatly enhance the competitiveness of Samsung’s mobile, display, virtual reality and wearable products to deliver a fully differentiated audio and visual experience for customers.

• Professional:  The combination will also expand the combined company’s business-to-business platform through its ability to deliver integrated, large-scale audio and visual professional solutions at stadiums, concert facilities and other performance centers such as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and STAPLES Center – home of the GRAMMY Awards®.

• Connected Services:  Samsung will gain access to HARMAN’s 8,000 software designers and engineers who are unlocking the potential of the IoT market.  This collaboration will deliver the next generation of cloud-based consumer and enterprise experiences, as well as end-to-end services for the automotive market through the convergence of design, data and devices.

Operating Structure and Leadership

Upon closing, HARMAN will operate as a standalone Samsung subsidiary, and continue to be led by Dinesh Paliwal and HARMAN’s current management team.  Samsung is pursuing a long-term growth strategy in automotive electronics, and plans to retain HARMAN’s work force, headquarters and facilities, as well as all of its consumer and professional audio brands.  Samsung believes the combination will increase career development and advancement opportunities for the employees of both companies.

Samsung’s Automotive Electronics Business Team, which was established in December of 2015 to identify opportunities for Samsung in the automotive sector, will work closely with the HARMAN management team to realize the full growth potential of the combination.

Terms of the Transaction

The purchase price represents a premium of 28% based on HARMAN’s closing stock price on November 11, 2016 and a 37% premium to HARMAN’s 30-calendar day volume weighted average price ending November 11, 2016.  Samsung expects to use cash on hand to fund the transaction.  The agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The transaction, which is subject to approval by HARMAN shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in mid-2017.