Samsung's Harman Bets $1.76B on Automotive Brains with ZF ADAS Acquisition

Samsung Electronics is making a major move to dominate the future of automotive tech. The company announced Tuesday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Harman, will acquire the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) division from Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen. The deal, estimated at $1.76 billion, signals a clear intent to build an end-to-end platform for next-generation vehicles.

According to a release from the South Korean tech giant, the acquisition aims to "secure a new growth engine to bolster the automotive business, which has been posting sharp growth." The takeover process is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Building an Automotive Powerhouse

Since being acquired by Samsung in 2017, Harman has been on an aggressive growth trajectory. Its sales have more than doubled, jumping from $7 billion in the year of its acquisition to $13.5 billion in 2024. This isn't its only recent purchase; in May, Harman bought Masimo's U.S.-based audio business for $580 million, adding premium brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Denon to its portfolio.

Samsung has set a clear goal for its affiliate: to $20 billion consistent growth and achieve annual sales of $20 billion by the year 2030. This ZF deal is a critical piece of that puzzle.

The Synergy Play: Cockpit Meets ADAS

The strategic logic is all about integration. Harman is a leader in 'digital cockpits'—the complex infotainment and instrument clusters inside modern cars. ZF's ADAS business provides the sensory and safety systems—the eyes and ears of the vehicle.

By combining them, Samsung aims to create a unified solution. "Through the acquisition, we plan to integrate Harman's digital cockpit with the ADAS under a centralized controller structure," the company stated, adding it will "secure the capability to lead rapidly evolving automotive trends."