175 years of audio experience in lock-step – or trampled underfoot?
Bose Corporation has announced its acquisition of the McIntosh group, including the iconic McIntosh brand and Sonus Faber. The terms (and circumstances) of the acquisition are not disclosed, so whether this is speculation, opportunism or force majeur is unclear. The press release suggests that McIntosh and Sonus Faber’s high-end focus and product portfolio will continue – but one would hardly expect it to say anything else. Sceptics might well ask, “For how long?” With a heavy emphasis on portable, automotive and ‘new-music’ solutions, the release does little to encourage confidence amongst followers of the established brands, while the Fine Sounds story and events around Wadia and Audio Research offer their own unfortunate echos. You can read the full text of the release below. Only time will tell what this means for McIntosh, Sonus Faber and the high-end industry as a whole.
Bose Corporation Acquires McIntosh Group, the Leader in Luxury,
High-Performance Audio
Iconic audio brands will combine 175 years of technology, innovation and craftmanship to deliver transformative sound experiences
November 19, 2024 – Today, Bose Corporation, a company synonymous with delivering amazing, premium audio experiences since its founding, announced the acquisition of McIntosh Group, the parent company of renowned high-performance and luxury audio brands that include McIntosh and Sonus faber. McIntosh Group manufactures the world’s finest amplifiers, speakers, turntables and other audio products, significantly expanding Bose’s portfolio.
This strategic move unites industry pioneers with more than 175 years of combined, deep technical expertise, a dedication to craftmanship and artistry, and an unwavering commitment to reaching passionate music fans around the world.
The acquisition allows Bose to infuse its industry-leading audio research and technology into the high-performance and luxury space while it continues to build on its premium solutions. From earbuds and Bluetooth speakers to the most luxurious systems possible for the home and on the road, Bose and McIntosh Group will now offer consumers a breadth of products and experiences for every listening occasion.
The combined forces of Bose and McIntosh Group also opens new opportunities in the automotive sector. By leveraging Bose’s 40-plus years of experience in automotive audio, and McIntosh Group’s legacy of performance and design, the brands will work together to expand their research and continue to engineer authentic in-car experiences that redefine automotive sound.
“Over the last six decades we’ve delivered the best premium audio experiences possible; now, with McIntosh Group in our portfolio, we can unlock even more ways to bring music to life in the home, on-the-go and in the car,” said Lila Snyder, CEO of Bose Corporation. “We look forward to honouring the heritage of these brands, investing in their future and pushing the boundaries of audio innovation to bring customers experiences they’ve never heard before.”
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