Sonova, a global provider of medical hearing products, will take over Sennheiser's consumer electronics business.
Subject to regulatory approval, the plan is to complete the transfer of the business to Sonova by the end of 2021. Sennheiser had announced in February that it would focus on the Professional business in the future while seeking a partner for the Consumer Electronics business.
With the takeover of the Sennheiser Consumer business, Sonova is adding headphones and soundbars to its hearing care portfolio, which includes hearing aids and cochlear implants, among other hearing products.
A permanent cooperation is planned under the joint Sennheiser brand umbrella in order to continue offering Sennheiser customers first-class audio solutions in the future. A license agreement for future use of the Sennheiser brand has been made.
"We couldn't have asked for a better partner than Sonova for our Consumer Electronics business," says Daniel Sennheiser, co-CEO at Sennheiser. "Sonova is a strong, well-positioned company. Not only do we share a passion for unique audio experiences, we also share very similar corporate values. This gives us an excellent foundation for a successful future together."
Both partners see potential in particular in the market for speech-enhanced hearables and for true wireless and audiophile headphones.
As part of the partnership, a complete transfer of operations of the Consumer Electronics business to Sonova is planned. Currently, a total of around 600 Sennheiser employees work for the Sennheiser consumer business.
Sennheiser will now concentrate on the Pro Audio, Business Communications and Neumann business areas.