HARMAN Acquires ZF's ADAS Business For 1.5 Bln Euros To Boost SDV Platform

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- HARMAN International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business of ZF Group for 1.5 billion euros, strengthening its position in the fast-evolving software-defined vehicle (SDV) market. (1 Euro = RM4.77)

The acquisition includes ZF’s automotive compute platforms, smart cameras, radars and ADAS software, significantly expanding HARMAN’s capabilities in assisted and automated driving technologies, according to a statement.

“The industry is at an inflection point where safety, intelligence and in-cabin experience must converge through a unified computing architecture,” said HARMAN Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, Automotive Division, Christian Sobottka, adding that the deal positions the company to deliver more context-aware and personalised vehicle experiences.

Meanwhile, ZF Group CEO, Mathias Miedreich said the transaction enables it to unlock the growth potential of its ADAS business while supporting debt reduction and sharpening its focus on core technologies.

HARMAN said the transaction advances its “Consumer Experiences. Automotive Grade.” strategy, which aims to integrate safety, assisted driving, connectivity and in-vehicle intelligence through centralised vehicle architectures that meet automotive-grade standards.

By combining ZF’s ADAS portfolio with HARMAN’s flagship Digital Cockpit solutions, the company plans to accelerate the development of centralised compute platforms that unify driving assistance, safety and user experiences on a shared architecture, reducing system complexity and enabling faster innovation cycles for automakers.

Approximately 3,750 ZF employees across Europe, the Americas and Asia are expected to transition to HARMAN following the close of the transaction, which is anticipated in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Upon completion, HARMAN will integrate the acquired ADAS capabilities into its centralised compute and digital cockpit roadmap, reinforcing its role in shaping next-generation intelligent and connected vehicles. The parties highlighted a continued commitment to supporting existing customer programmes.

-- BERNAMA