Harman International Industries is to acquire AMX LLC from The Duchossois Group Inc and its affiliates for US$365m. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals.
AMX will bring enterprise control and automation systems, and audio and video switching and distributing into the Harman fold, joining AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown amplifiers, dbx, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, Studer and Martin lighting.
‘Our vision is to extend our reach beyond the car into the enterprise, where we already have a substantial audio presence,’ says Dinesh C Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO of Harman. ‘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.’
The move will see AMX integrated into Harman’s Professional division: ‘Starting with the acquisition of Martin lighting last year, Harman has set forth a clear strategy to add visual solutions to our legacy of audio offerings’ says Harman Professional President, Blake Augsburger. ‘AMX’s strong portfolio of video distribution hardware and software is a significant step into the video domain, reinforcing Harman’s commitment to expand our professional portfolio with industry-leading technologies and brands in adjacent and complementary markets.’
‘Harman is a world-class company, and this transaction will provide additional opportunities to grow the AMX business,’ adds Robert L Fealy, President and Chief Operating Officer, the Duchossois Group, and Chairman of AMX. ‘The sale to Harman fulfils one of our fundamental objectives, which was to position this business with a leading entity that will take AMX to an even higher level of performance and success.’
