Audio Video News

Harman International, the legendary audio brand recently acquired by Samsung, today announced its acquisition of U.K-based A&R Cambridge Ltd., a.k.a. Arcam, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jam Industries.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded by two Cambridge University students in 1976, Arcam designs and sells high-performance audio products, including AV receivers, amplifiers, DACs, and speakers. Based in Cambridge, England, the company has about 35 employees.

“With a strong audio heritage, we relentlessly pursue innovations that will enable us to deliver the best solutions for our customers and consumers,” said Christopher M. Dragon, Harman senior director of marketing, lifestyle. “We have found in Arcam a like-minded passion for bringing the highest quality sound into people's lives. With impressive technologies and outstanding talent, Arcam will be an exceptional addition to Haman’s luxury audio team. As demand for higher quality audio rapidly accelerates, we are eager to seize the many opportunities in front of us.”

“We are proud of what we have accomplished with Arcam over the last 10 years, expanding the company from its U.K. roots to become a globally-recognized hi-fi brand,” said Martin Szpiro, president and CEO of Jam Industries. “Now with Harman, a world leader in professional, lifestyle, and automotive audio and sound management, Arcam will join the best in the business to grow its engineering capabilities and extend its product reach into new markets.”

Arcam’s current management team, including managing director Charlie Brennan, will remain in Cambridge and become part of the Harman Lifestyle Audio division, according to today’s press release. “We are extremely grateful to Jam Industries for their loyal support over the last decade and believe that we will be able develop even better products for music lovers who demand great sound as part of Harman,” Brennan said.