Sennheiser Sells Off Consumer Audio Division To Sonova

Sennheiser has sold off its consumer grade audio division to Sonova Holding AG. Though this might come as a shock to some, the former signaled in February of its intention to focus on its professional business. The deal is acquisition of sorts, where a complete transfer of operations will occur of the former’s consumer electronics business.

“We are convinced that Sonova will strengthen the Sennheiser Consumer Business in the long term and capture the major growth opportunities, ” said Daniel Sennheiser, co-CEO at Sennheiser.

It’s not clear if all of Sennheiser’s 600 employees who work for the consumer division will be transferred to Sonova’s side, which is headquartered in Switzerland. However, Sonova will acquire the development and production areas of Sennheiser’s consumer electronics division. This will allow Sennheiser to focus on Pro Audio, Business Communications and Neumann business areas.

Credit: Sennheiser

Sonova has been around since 1947, and specializes in hearing instruments, audiological care and cochlear implants. It comprises 50 wholesale companies and 100 independent distributors. Other brands under its umbrella include Phonak, Unitron, Hansaton, Advanced Bionics, AudioNova, Geers, Boots Hearing Care, Connect Hearing and Lapperre.

Aside from offering hearing solutions, Sonova will now be adding headphones and soundbars to its product portfolio, which already includes hearing aids and cochlear implants. Subject to regulatory approval, the plan is to complete the transfer of Sennheiser’s consumer audio business to Sonova by the end of 2021.

The consumer audio business will presumably continue to be marketed under the Sennheiser name. This is due to the fact that a license agreement has been made between the two companies for the future use of the Sennheiser brand. It wouldn’t be financially prudent for Sonova to strike off a brand name that has been synonymous with exceptional audio hardware for the past several decades.