Bose acquires luxury hi-fi brands McIntosh and Sonus Faber
Recognized as one of the most popular consumer audio brands in the world, Bose intends to diversify its activity. The American firm has indeed announced the acquisition of McIntosh Group, which brings together the McIntosh high-end amplifier and Sonus Faber hi-fi speaker brands.
Now having full control of these luxury brands, Bose would like to accelerate into the high-fidelity market by bringing its technologies there. In its press release, the manufacturer however specified that Sonus Faber and McIntosh will continue to develop the audiophile products for which they are renowned, for their part.
A takeover with an objective still unknown, but with the automobile in sight
The purpose of this ambitious acquisition remains mysterious for the moment, but Bose undoubtedly intends to attack new markets. According to Lila Synder, CEO of Bose, “With the addition of McIntosh Group to our portfolio, we have even more resources to rock music at home, on the go and in the car“.
Will we have the chance to listen to premium Sonus Faber noise reduction headphones, or even a range of multiroom speakers from McIntosh? Only the future will tell us.
Bose's intentions towards the automotive sector are more explicit. Respectively, McIntosh and Sonus Faber already equip certain high-end cars from Jeep and Maserati. Bose could thus gain reputation in this segment by combining its technologies with their experience in this area.
Bose accelerates in a still developing hi-fi market
The hi-fi market continues to grow despite inflation, and Bose is well aware of this. While most consumers tend to turn to the most affordable products, the wealthiest among them remain ever more alert to new offerings from prestigious brands.
The takeover of a hi-fi brand by a consumer audio manufacturer is not very common. Associations are often limited to partnerships, while most acquisitions take place within the same sector of activity. Beyond automobiles, we are impatient to see if Bose will be able to bring McIntosh and Sonus Faber into the field of consumer audio.
