The world of consumer electronics is filled with numerous brands, each offering a unique set of products that cater to diverse customer needs. Two prominent brands in this space are Samsung and JBL. While Samsung is a well-known South Korean multinational conglomerate, JBL is a popular American audio equipment manufacturer. In this article, we will delve into the relationship between these two brands and explore the question: Does Samsung own JBL?
A Brief History of JBL
To understand the current ownership structure of JBL, it’s essential to take a brief look at the company’s history. JBL was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing, an American audio engineer and loudspeaker designer. Initially, the company was known as Lansing Sound and later changed its name to James B. Lansing Sound. Over the years, JBL has undergone several transformations, with the company changing hands multiple times.
Early Years and Innovations
During its early years, JBL focused on designing and manufacturing loudspeakers for the home and professional markets. The company’s innovative approach to speaker design led to the development of several groundbreaking products, including the iconic D130 speaker, which was introduced in the 1950s. This speaker was known for its high-quality sound and durability, setting the stage for JBL’s future success.
Changes in Ownership
In 1969, JBL was acquired by Jervis Corporation, a company that owned several other audio equipment manufacturers. This acquisition marked the beginning of a series of changes in JBL’s ownership structure. In 1980, JBL was sold to Harman International Industries, a leading manufacturer of audio equipment. Under Harman’s ownership, JBL continued to innovate and expand its product line.
The Samsung Connection
So, does Samsung own JBL? The answer lies in the acquisition of Harman International Industries by Samsung Electronics in 2017. In March 2017, Samsung announced that it would acquire Harman International Industries for approximately $8 billion. This acquisition marked one of the largest deals in Samsung’s history, giving the company a significant presence in the global audio market.
Samsung’s Acquisition of Harman
Samsung’s acquisition of Harman was a strategic move to expand its presence in the automotive and audio markets. Harman’s portfolio of brands, including JBL, AKG, and Harman Kardon, offered Samsung a unique opportunity to tap into the growing demand for premium audio products. The acquisition also enabled Samsung to leverage Harman’s expertise in automotive electronics, further strengthening its position in the global automotive market.
Impact on JBL
The acquisition of Harman by Samsung has had a significant impact on JBL. As a subsidiary of Harman, JBL has continued to operate independently, with its management team remaining intact. However, the acquisition has provided JBL with access to Samsung’s vast resources and expertise, enabling the company to accelerate its innovation and growth.
Increased Investment in Research and Development
One of the key benefits of the acquisition has been the increased investment in research and development. With Samsung’s backing, JBL has been able to accelerate its innovation efforts, resulting in the development of new and exciting products. For example, JBL has introduced several new wireless earbuds and headphones, which have been well-received by consumers.
Expanded Distribution Channels
The acquisition has also enabled JBL to expand its distribution channels. With Samsung’s global reach, JBL products are now available in more countries and through more channels than ever before. This increased distribution has helped JBL to tap into new markets and customer segments, further driving the company’s growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Samsung does not directly own JBL, the company’s acquisition of Harman International Industries in 2017 has given it a significant stake in JBL’s parent company. As a subsidiary of Harman, JBL has continued to operate independently, but with access to Samsung’s resources and expertise. This partnership has enabled JBL to accelerate its innovation and growth, resulting in the development of new and exciting products.
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Founding of JBL | JBL was founded by James Bullough Lansing as Lansing Sound. |
| 1969 | Acquisition by Jervis Corporation | JBL was acquired by Jervis Corporation, marking the beginning of a series of changes in ownership. |
| 1980 | Acquisition by Harman International Industries | JBL was sold to Harman International Industries, a leading manufacturer of audio equipment. |
| 2017 | Acquisition of Harman by Samsung | Samsung Electronics acquired Harman International Industries for approximately $8 billion, giving the company a significant stake in JBL’s parent company. |
As the consumer electronics landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how JBL and Samsung work together to drive innovation and growth in the audio market. One thing is certain – with Samsung’s backing, JBL is well-positioned to remain a leading player in the global audio industry.
Does Samsung own JBL?
JBL is not owned by Samsung. It is actually a subsidiary of Harman International Industries, which was acquired by Samsung Electronics in 2017. However, JBL operates independently and maintains its own brand identity.
Despite being under the same parent company, JBL and Samsung have distinct product lines and target different markets. JBL is known for its high-quality audio equipment, including speakers, headphones, and home audio systems. Samsung, on the other hand, is a multinational conglomerate with a diverse range of products, including smartphones, TVs, and home appliances.
What is the relationship between Samsung and JBL?
Samsung acquired Harman International Industries, the parent company of JBL, in 2017 for approximately $8 billion. This acquisition gave Samsung a significant presence in the global audio market and expanded its portfolio of brands.
As a result of the acquisition, JBL became a subsidiary of Samsung, but it continues to operate independently. JBL’s management team and employees remain in place, and the company maintains its own research and development, manufacturing, and marketing operations.
Does JBL manufacture products for Samsung?
Yes, JBL does manufacture some products for Samsung. As a subsidiary of Samsung, JBL has collaborated with its parent company on various projects, including the development of audio equipment for Samsung’s smartphones and TVs.
However, JBL also manufactures products under its own brand, which are sold separately from Samsung’s products. JBL’s products are known for their high-quality sound and innovative designs, and the company continues to invest in research and development to stay ahead of the competition.
Can I use JBL products with Samsung devices?
Yes, JBL products are compatible with Samsung devices. In fact, JBL and Samsung have collaborated on various projects to ensure seamless integration between their products.
For example, JBL’s speakers and headphones are compatible with Samsung’s smartphones and tablets, and can be easily paired using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Additionally, JBL’s home audio systems can be integrated with Samsung’s smart home platform, allowing users to control their music and other smart devices from a single interface.
Does Samsung influence JBL’s product design?
While Samsung has a significant influence on JBL’s business operations, it does not directly influence JBL’s product design. JBL’s design team is responsible for creating innovative and stylish products that meet the company’s high standards for quality and performance.
However, as a subsidiary of Samsung, JBL may benefit from access to Samsung’s resources and expertise, including its research and development facilities and manufacturing capabilities. This can help JBL to stay ahead of the competition and develop products that meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Will JBL products be rebranded as Samsung products?
There are no plans to rebrand JBL products as Samsung products. JBL is a well-established brand with a strong reputation for quality and innovation, and Samsung has stated its intention to maintain JBL’s brand identity.
In fact, Samsung has taken a hands-off approach to managing JBL, allowing the company to operate independently and maintain its own brand identity. This has helped JBL to continue innovating and developing products that meet the needs of its customers.
What are the benefits of Samsung’s acquisition of JBL?
The acquisition of JBL by Samsung has brought several benefits to both companies. For Samsung, the acquisition has expanded its presence in the global audio market and provided access to JBL’s expertise in audio technology.
For JBL, the acquisition has provided access to Samsung’s resources and expertise, including its research and development facilities and manufacturing capabilities. This has helped JBL to stay ahead of the competition and develop products that meet the evolving needs of consumers.