Sonova Holding is to take over Sennheiser’s Consumer Electronics business – subject to regulatory approval, transfer of the business to Sonova should be complete by the end of 2021.

The news follows Sennheiser’s recent decision to focus on its professional business while seeking a partner for the consumer electronics business. The takeover will see Sonova add headphones and soundbars to its hearing care portfolio, which includes hearing aids and cochlear implants, among other hearing solutions. A permanent cooperation is planned under the joint Sennheiser brand umbrella in order to continue offering Sennheiser customers first-class audio solutions in the future. A licence agreement for future use of the Sennheiser brand has been made.

‘We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Sonova for our Consumer Electronics business,’ says Daniel Sennheiser, co-CEO at Sennheiser. ‘Sonova is a strong, well-positioned company. Not only do we share a passion for unique audio experiences, we also share very similar corporate values. This gives us an excellent foundation for a successful future together.’

‘The combination of our strengths provides an very good starting point for future growth,’ agrees co-CEO, Dr Andreas Sennheiser. ‘We are convinced that Sonova will strengthen the Sennheiser Consumer Business in the long term, and capture the major growth opportunities.’

For Sennheiser employees who will transfer to Sonova, the move to the internationally operating and well-positioned company, headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland, opens up ‘good opportunities for the future’. Currently, a total of around 600 Sennheiser employees work for the Sennheiser consumer business.

‘We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and to building on the combined strengths of both organisations to successfully shape our joint future,’ Sonova CEO, Arnd Kaldowski says. ‘The fast-growing market for personal audio devices is rapidly evolving. Combining our audiological expertise with Sennheiser’s know-how in sound delivery, as well as high-quality products will allow us to expand our offering and to create important touchpoints with consumers earlier in their hearing journey. Combining our market-leading technology with the strong brand and well-established distribution network of Sennheiser creates a strong foundation for future growth.’

Sennheiser will now concentrate its strengths and resources on its Pro Audio, Business Communications and Neumann business areas. In these three business units, the company plans to continue to grow under its own power and to expand its position in the global market.