Harman/Kardon

Harman / kardon is a manufacturer of hi-fi components. The company was founded in 1953 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon in New York City. The German office is in Heilbronn.

Harman Kardon In 1954 the Festival D1000 the world's first receiver (amplifier and tuner in one unit) and 1958 the first stereo receiver (Festival TA230 ) out. In the 2005 S- Class from Mercedes- Benz ( W221 ) brought harman / kardon the first fully digital 5.1 surround sound system in the car, with the thanks DTCP technology for the first time modern multi -channel formats of DVD-Audio and - Video and DTS - CDs could be played without any loss in the automobile.

The company is part of Harman International Group. Sidney Harman launched in 2005 itself, the company, at the age of 87 years. Since August 2008, Dinesh Paliwal is his successor as Chairman of Harman International. Paliwal has been active since 2007 as President, CEO and Vice Chairman of Harman International.

The acquisition of Harman International Industries for nearly $ 8 billion by the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR ) and Goldman Sachs belonging to GS Capital Partners, has been canceled because of the financial crisis in November 2007.