Samsung Electronics Co.’s planned acquisition of Harman International Industries would give the supplier a major leg up in the connected- and autonomous-vehicle space.
The $8 billion deal -- announced today and expected to close in mid-2017 -- marks Samsung’s plan to increase its presence in the industry, joining other technology companies such as Apple and Google looking to capitalize on the market for in-car tech. It will also deepen Harman’s pockets and access to consumer-facing technology, as the supplier grows and acquires companies specializing in software, cloud technology and cybersecurity.
“Without a doubt, this will be a huge differentiator for us,” Harman CEO Dinesh Paliwal told Automotive News.
As the industry moves toward autonomous driving and connectivity, in-car technology has become increasingly valuable. In September, Elliot Garbus, general manager of the transportation solutions division at Intel, said the in-vehicle content industry could be worth up to $5 billion.
About 65 percent of Harman’s $7 billion in sales for the year ending in September were from its automotive sector, which specializes in embedded infotainment, telematics and connectivity, according to the company. It has an additional $24 billion in future orders from automotive companies. Under the current terms, Harman will remain a standalone operation.
‘Like a glove on a hand’
In August, Samsung was reported to have been considering a deal with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles-owned Magneti Marelli, but analysts have deemed the Harman merger a better fit for the consumer electronics giant.
“These companies fit together like a glove on a hand,” said David Leiker, an analyst at Baird Equity Research, in a note to investors.
With access to Samsung’s display and audio technology, Harman will have a major advantage in developing complete cockpit systems, while its competitors will have to continue to rely on traditional component suppliers, said Mark Boyadjis, an analyst at IHS Automotive.
“They can now go to OEMs and say ‘we’ve got a complete platform and an entire cockpit design.’ That will drive Harman further than they already are,” Boyadjis said.
The supplier will hold 10 percent of the technology supplier market by revenue in 2022, and is expected to grow even more under Samsung, according to IHS Markit estimates.
“Being acquired makes what Harman has to offer much more powerful in terms of the sheer size they can now bring to market,” said Samit Ghosh, president of P3 Group, an automotive consultancy.
The affiliation with Samsung also brings Harman closer to the consumer, an increasingly important relationship as automotive companies pivot to providing mobility services rather than just products, said Anil Valsan, global lead analyst of automotive and transportation at Ernst & Young.
“The Samsung connection gets them into the hands of the consumer, literally,” Valsan said. “These companies aren’t just competing with other companies, they’re looking to target end consumers.”
With Harman under its wing, Samsung will have access to the automotive head unit, where Apple and Google have already made inroads with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, P3’s Ghosh said. It also can accelerate its plans to provide 5G LTE connectivity, providing a faster data pipeline between the cloud and the car. Samsung Electronics President Young Sohn said the company plans to begin 5G LTE trials in 2018 and roll out the technology in 2020.
