The CI market grew significantly during the pandemic and that has led to a period of consolidation. What exactly is going on? Market demand for marine, outdoor, and home theater products has never been stronger and we have already seen a flood of new products from Focal, Sonus faber, Monitor Audio, and others geared toward these specific categories.
The luxury high-end market which includes premium automobiles, yachts, and housing is flourishing and bigger fish are starting to acquire smaller ones with unique product offerings.
Garmin has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire JL Audio, a privately-held U.S. company that designs and manufactures audio solutions for marine, aftermarket automotive, power sports, home and RV customers.
“JL Audio’s extensive audio experience will create new opportunities to provide premium audio features across a broad range of our markets and products. The JL Audio brand is known around the world for offering a premium audio experience which is made possible by their talented and dedicated associates. We look forward to welcoming the JL Audio team into the Garmin family.” –Cliff Pemble, Garmin President and CEO
With over four decades of experience, JL Audio offers premium audio products and accessories, including speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and other audio components.
“JL Audio shares Garmin’s vision to deliver unique technology solutions, supported by meaningful R&D and engineering. We are thrilled at the opportunity to integrate into Garmin’s product ecosystem. JL Audio will contribute audio knowledge and engineering expertise to create great audio products for many years to come.” –Lucio Proni, JL Audio Founder and CEO
JL Audio is headquartered in Miramar, Fla., and employs more than 600 associates. The completion of this acquisition is expected to occur by the end of 2023 and is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. All existing JL Audio products will continue to be supported post-closing, and customers can expect to continue receiving the same great customer service. Financial terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the aviation, automotive, fitness, marine and outdoor markets. Dedicated to helping people make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.
For more information: garmin.com | jlaudio.com
Related reading: JL Audio Offers Up New XDM Amplifiers for Car and Marine Audio
Related categories: In-Wall Speakers | Outdoor Speakers | Car Audio
Tim
August 9, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Dang, there goes a great brand. ( JL Audio ) Hope Garmin doesn’t run it into the ground. Big buyouts are never good.
Ian White
August 9, 2023 at 10:02 pm
Tim,
True but this one Kinda makes sense. Unlike the Masimo/Sound United thing.
Garmin wanted a high-end line of products for outdoor, CI, marine, and automotive and this gives them all of that. The question is…are they going to market the living hell out of JL Audio?
IW