Samsung acquired Harman

JAKARTA. Tech device manufacturers from South Korea Samsung Electronics made a surprising action. Samsung has acquired Harman International Industries, which is known as a manufacturer of automotive audio and audio to consumers from the United States (the US).

The worth of US$ 8 billion acquisition will expand Samsung's business action, particularly in the electronics sector for automotive audio. Even so, the acquisition, which is expected to be completed in 2017, does not directly affect the business Harman International, including the existing Harman’s business in Indonesia.

Country Manager of Harman International to Indonesia Kazuo Sawachi said that the acquisition by Samsung has not impacted all the business directly. "In terms of brand, we will remain separate with Samsung," said Kazuo in Jakarta, Tuesday (15/11).

In other words, the business entity of Harman International in Indonesia will remain independent and not be integrated with Samsung business entities. As known, in Indonesia Samsung already has a subsidiary, namely PT Samsung Electronics Indonesia. Up to now, Samsung managed a few lines of business in Indonesia, especially household electronics and cellular phones (mobile phones).

Kazuo said the acquisition is in fact a positive impact for the brand of Harman in Indonesia. The popularity of the Samsung brand in Indonesia is expected to have a positive impact to the brands of Harman International audio that are marketed in Indonesia, namely; Harman-Kardon and JBL.

The acquisition includes the acquisition of brands produced by Harman. Furthermore, Samsung also can access the technology belongs to the subsidiaries of Harman.
President & CEO of Harman International Dinesh Paliwal mentioned that the acquisition process is expected to complete in 2017. Therefore, the business of Harman will run as usual until the next year.

"The most important thing is that we have to remain focus in achieving target,” said Dinesh on a written statement received by KONTAN. (Muhammad Farid/Translator)