Bose Corporation has announced the acquisition of McIntosh Group, the parent company of storied high-performance and luxury audio brands, including McIntosh and Sonus faber.

This strategic move sees Bose now owning the McIntosh Group's manufacturing of high-end amplifiers, speakers, turntables and other audio products, significantly expanding Bose's portfolio.

The press release states that "this unites industry pioneers with more than 175 years of combined, deep technical expertise, a dedication to craftsmanship and artistry, and an unwavering commitment to reaching passionate music fans around the world."

We're told that this enables Bose to "infuse its industry-leading audio research and technology into the high-performance and luxury space" and sees the brand covering everything from earbuds and Bluetooth speakers to the most luxurious systems possible for the home and on the road.

The combined forces of Bose and McIntosh Group also open new opportunities in the automotive sector. By leveraging Bose's 40-plus years of experience in automotive audio, and McIntosh Group's legacy of performance and design, the brands will work together to expand their research and continue to engineer authentic in-car experiences that redefine automotive sound.

While the new owners may surprise many, some will reflect that this latest acquisition at least goes in the direction of a longtime name in the audio business rather than an investment firm.
 
Lila Snyder, CEO of Bose Corporation, told StereoNET:

Over the last six decades, we've delivered the best premium audio experiences possible; now, with McIntosh Group in our portfolio, we can unlock even more ways to bring music to life in the home, on-the-go and in the car. We look forward to honouring the heritage of these brands, investing in their future and pushing the boundaries of audio innovation to bring customers experiences they've never heard before.

Bose will continue to develop products and experiences in popular categories like headphones, speakers, soundbars, and car audio while advancing critical technologies such as noise cancellation, hearing augmentation and immersive audio. McIntosh and Sonus faber will maintain its focus on amplifiers, loudspeakers, turntables, and other high-end products. Together, the brands promise to deliver new products, bespoke offerings and unparalleled listening experiences for music lovers around the globe.

Bose acquired McIntosh Group from Highlander Partners, L.P., a Dallas-based private investment firm.  Jones Day acted as Bose's legal counsel. Additional information, including financial and other terms of the transaction, will remain confidential.