Beyerdynamic Sold to Chinese OEM Specialist Cosonic

Cosonic Intelligent Technologies, operating through its Singapore entity but backed by Chinese parent company Jiahe Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., has purchased controlling interests in Beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KG and its general partner company.

The acquisition includes Beyerdynamic's complete operational structure, absorbing its subsidiaries in the United States, China, and India. The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals. However, with no antitrust or national security filings required in Germany or the United States, the deal is expected to close relatively quickly, pending only regulatory approval in China.

Founded in 1924 and headquartered in Heilbronn, Germany, Beyerdynamic has remained family-owned throughout its 101-year history. The company introduced the world's first dynamic headphones, the DT 48, in 1937, which remained in production for 75 years. It established the foundation for the brand's other classics, including the DT 880 and DT 770 series headphones.

Cosonic has built its business as an OEM specialising in audio components for major brands, including Philips, JBL, Beats, Honor, Huawei, 1More, and Soundcore. In 2024, approximately 77% of Cosonic's revenue—around US$343 million—came from headphone manufacturing.

The company aims to leverage Beyerdynamic's existing sales channels in Europe, the United States, and China while incorporating the German brand's innovations, including Tesla magnetic drivers and high-fidelity wireless systems.

Andreas Rapp, Beyerdynamic CEO, said:

The shareholders have recognized that future investments cannot be financed with the current structure. They have therefore decided to sell the company to a prospective buyer who will not only continue Beyerdynamic's 100-year history, but also advance it to ensure continued success in international markets.

It has been reported that Beyerdynamic's 385 employees worldwide will not be affected and that all contracts and agreements will remain valid. Cosonic is also particularly interested in maintaining the production site in Heilbronn, Germany so that Beyerdynamic products can continue to bear the quality label "Handmade in Heilbronn".

The acquisition signals a broader consolidation trend in the audio market, where established Western brands are increasingly becoming targets for acquisition by Asian-based manufacturing companies seeking to expand beyond OEM services. 

Prior to the this announcement, Beyerdynamic's company page makes the statement:

Nothing stays the same. What all beyerdynamic products across the entire range have in common is the fact that they represent the company’s constant desire to innovative and its continuous efforts to take the technology involved to the next level. This is just as true now as it was just under 100 years ago when Eugen Beyer founded the company. There’s nothing that can’t be improved.

The audio industry will be watching closely to see if Beyerdynamic can stay true to its values, and maintain its legacy of German engineering excellence under its new ownership.

For more information visit Beyerdynamic