Sennheiser sells Consumer Division to Sonova

Sennhesier has sold its consumer division to Swiss medical hearing solutions provider Sonova, with the deal set to complete by then end of 2021.

In February this year it was announced that Sennheiser was seeking a buyer for its consumer division, in a move that would allow the audio giant to significantly ramp up investment in its professional business. By acquiring Sennheiser’s consumer portfolio, Sonova will now add headphones and sounders to its hearing care range of products, which also includes hearing aids, cochlear implants and other hearing solutions.

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," said 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."

Co-CEO Dr. Andreas Sennheiser added: "The combination of our strengths provides an very good starting point for future growth. We are convinced that Sonova will strengthen the Sennheiser Consumer Business in the long term and capture the major growth opportunities."

Arnd Kaldowski, CEO of Sonova, also commented: “I am very pleased that Sennheiser has chosen Sonova to further develop the well-renowned Consumer Division. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and to building on the combined strengths of both organisations to successfully shape our joint future. The fast-growing market for personal audio devices is rapidly evolving.

“Combining our audiological expertise with Sennheiser’s know-how in sound delivery, their great reputation as well as their high-quality products will allow us to expand our offering and to create important touch points with consumers earlier in their hearing journey. Combining our market-leading technology with the strong brand and well-established distribution network of Sennheiser creates a strong foundation for future growth.”

As part of the partnership, a full transfer of operations of the Consumer Electronics business to Sonova is planned. This will be aligned with the Sennheiser works councils. A total of around 600 Sennheiser employees currently works for its consumer business.