Harman has bolstered its sizeable audio portfolio with the acquisition of privately held Duran Audio. The deal provides Harman with access to innovative electro-acoustic and software-based directivity control technologies including the successful AXYS Intellivox line of ‘steerable’ loudspeaker columns. The AXYS products and core technologies will become an integrated part of the Harman Professional audio product line.
“Today’s acquisition of Duran Audio BV bolsters Harman’s stated commitment to advance our technology leadership through both R&D and acquisitions,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Over the years, Duran Audio has established a distinct and loyal customer base built on innovative technology. By leveraging Duran’s unique product lines with Harman’s global footprint and product synergies, our business is optimally positioned to serve new customers around the world with expanded audio solutions.”
Gerrit Duran, founder of Duran Audio, added: “Our focus has always been on innovation. Over the years we have developed a range of solutions for some of the most difficult problems facing sound system designers, architects and acoustic engineers. Today’s acquisition by Harman presents many wonderful opportunities to push the R&D boundaries even further and to deliver some truly unique technologies to a wider customer base.”
Founded in Zaltbommel, The Netherlands by Gerrit Duran in 1981, Duran Audio pioneered modern loudspeaker beam steering and beam shaping, which are essential to addressing demanding acoustic environments. The company has also established a leading position in audio solutions for European EN54 safety applications and software technologies for audio design.
