Garmin acquires JL Audio
Electronics heavyweight Garmin has announced the pending acquisition of US company JL Audio, a specialist in audio systems for marine, automotive, recreational vehicle and home use. The Florida-based company, founded in 1975 by James Birch and Lucio Proni, employs over 300 people and offers a wide range of premium products, from loudspeakers and amps to subwoofers and accessories. The transaction, subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close before the end of 2023. Terms of the acquisition are not disclosed. Garmin is committed to supporting existing JL Audio products in the future.
Increasing challenges of integration
With boats, and vehicles in general, becoming more and more home automation and equipment management centralized, Garmin is securing an important element of on-board comfort. After acquiring Navionics for cartography, Trigentic and its Empirbus brand for digital switching, and Vesper for communications, the acquisition of JL Audio marks a further step forward. As Lucio Proni, co-founder of JL Audio, points out, the R&D and integration efforts will be of mutual benefit: "JL Audio shares Garmin's vision of offering unique technological solutions, backed by significant engineering and R&D. We are excited about the opportunity to become part of the Garmin product ecosystem."
Cliff Pemble, CEO of Garmin, adds in conclusion: "JL Audio's extensive audio experience will create new opportunities to offer high-end audio specifics across our wide range of products and markets."
