Sound United Enters into Agreement to Be Acquired by Masimo Corporation

Rhea-AI Summary

Sound United, a leader in premium audio products, has agreed to be acquired by Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI), a global medical technology company. This strategic acquisition aims to combine Masimo's healthcare strengths with Sound United's consumer electronics expertise, enhancing product distribution and consumer experience. The partnership will utilize Sound United’s extensive brand portfolio and global reach to improve Masimo's consumer product offerings. The transaction is anticipated to close in mid-2022, pending regulatory approvals.

Positive

• Acquisition expected to leverage Sound United's expertise in consumer electronics to enhance Masimo's product distribution.
• Combining resources is likely to drive long-term innovation and development in audio technology.

Negative

• None.

• Sound United’s iconic audio brands will benefit from Masimo’s expanded organizational resources to drive long-term innovation and development
• Masimo will benefit from access to Sound United’s consumer-centric brands, global omnichannel go-to-market expertise, connected cloud-based ecosystem, and ever-present relationship with millions of consumers.

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sound United, LLC (“Sound United”), a leading innovator of premium, high-performance audio products for consumers around the world, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Masimo Corporation (Nasdaq: MASI) (“Masimo”). Masimo is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and markets a variety of noninvasive monitoring technologies for hospital and home settings.

Sound United operates iconic consumer brands: Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Polk Audio, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics. The brands are linked by a commitment to the highest production standards and a focus on unparalleled audio quality and performance. Sound United delivers significant competitive benefits through its platform advantages including global distribution across online, retail and custom installation channels; a cloud-connected home ecosystem; and state-of-the-art R&D function focused on creating the highest-quality consumer products with world-class industrial design.

“I have long been a fan (and proud owner) of Sound United’s iconic brands and am honored to steward them through the next generation of technological evolution,” Masimo Founder, Chair & CEO Joe Kiani commented. “Masimo shares Sound United’s commitment to providing innovative, best-in-class products and experiences, with a relentless focus on improving the consumer experience.”

A combined Masimo and Sound United will create stronger relationships with consumers and seamlessly deliver high-quality consumer products. The company will leverage Sound United’s expertise across consumer channels to accelerate distribution of Masimo’s expanding portfolio of consumer products. The resulting company will benefit from a world-class professional and consumer engineering function focused on products that make an impact on the lives of our consumers.

“We’re excited about this transaction and see significant potential in combining our expertise in consumer electronics and audio engineering with Masimo’s strengths in healthcare and monitoring,” said Kevin Duffy, CEO of Sound United. “With our track record of industry-first innovation, best-in-class products, and a global distribution network, we are the ideal partner for Masimo to transform the consumer healthcare experience. I look forward to working with the Masimo team to enrich the lives of consumers.”

Transaction Details

The transaction is expected to close near the middle of 2022, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Post-closing, Kevin Duffy will continue to lead Sound United, reporting directly to Masimo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Joe Kiani.

Sound United is a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC. Citigroup acted as financial advisor to Masimo and Paul Hastings LLP served as legal counsel. Evercore served as lead financial advisor to Sound United. Stifel and Solomon Partners also provided financial advice to Sound United, and Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal counsel.

About Sound United

Sound United was founded in 2012 with a simple mission – to bring joy to the world through sound. Today, we are one of the world’s largest portfolio audio companies and home to several legendary audio brands—Denon®, Marantz®, Bowers and Wilkins, Polk Audio, Classé, Definitive Technology, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics®. Each brand boasts its own philosophy and unique approach to bringing home entertainment to life.

With centuries of collective experience, Sound United oversees the design and manufacture of a diverse array of premium audio products, including loudspeakers, sound bars, AV receivers, wireless speakers, amplifiers, turntables, and headphones. We create distinct and memorable listening experiences for a wide range of consumers in more than 130 countries. For more information on Sound United and our mission, please visit www.soundunited.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220215006178/en/

Sound United

INVESTORS:

Joshua Sy

Tel: +1 213 221 9369 Joshua.Sy@soundunited.com

MEDIA:

Max Borges Agency

Jessica Darrican

Tel: +1 305 299 3449 Jessicadarrican@maxborgesagency.com

Source: Sound United, LLC

FAQ

What are the details of the Masimo acquisition of Sound United?

Masimo has agreed to acquire Sound United to strengthen its consumer products and distribution channels, leveraging Sound United's brand portfolio.

When is the Masimo acquisition of Sound United expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to close in mid-2022, subject to regulatory approvals.

How will the Masimo acquisition impact investors?

The acquisition is aimed at enhancing distribution and innovation, potentially leading to improved financial performance for Masimo.

What are the strategic benefits of the Masimo and Sound United merger?

The merger will combine healthcare technology with consumer electronics, creating a stronger market presence and improved consumer experiences.