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General discussion

Attn: Harmon- Kardon fans

by NM_Bill Sep 28, 2008 11:45AM PDT

Dr. Sidney Harmon & his partner started H-K in 1953 with $10,000 investment while introducing the first stereo receiver. H-K collected several acquisitions over time to now represent 16 brands, including Infinity & JBL.

Recently, you may have begun to see their first-ever global advertising campaign. Dr. Harmon is now 90 years of age. In 2006 a new, outsider CEO quit in four months. Now, Harman has turned things over to a new executive who has run successful companies in various nations. A proposal to acquire H-K for $8 billion fell through. Even daughter Gina harman was replaced.

In a world of many businesses many times the size of H-K, stay tuned to see if this new focus will bring progress. Seems some brands among 16 must be relative duds.

Discussion is locked

3 Posts

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And, oh yeah...

by NM_Bill Sep 29, 2008 7:36AM PDT

they have decided to close four of H-K's U.S. facilities - about 500 workers. So they must have determined four of the brands are expendable. Reorganizing for the future. Best of luck for them.

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JBL & Infinity speakers

by givemeaname Sep 29, 2008 7:41AM PDT

doesn't HK own those lines??? or those separate entity???

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Yeah, all under the H-K umbrella that now looks a bit

by NM_Bill Sep 29, 2008 8:21AM PDT

tarnished. Especially the Infinity & JBL names must be among the most solid assets. Of 16 brands, a few must be less important. H-K is at this time attempting to adjust to the times, not declaring failure. More power to their transition to a more focused business.

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