Harman to Be Acquired for Nearly $8 Billion

Audio equipment maker Harman International has announced it will be acquired by private equity firms KKR and Goldman Sachs for a whopping $8 billion.

Audio equiment maker Harman International—makers of Harman-Kardon, AKG, JBL, Lexicon, Revel, Mark Levinson, and other well-known brands of consumer, auto, and pro audio gear—announced today (PDF) the company will be acquired by private equity fims Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) and Goldman Sachs Group’s private equity firm for about $8 billion.

Under the deal, Harman stockholder would receive about 4120 in case for each share they own, which is a 17 percent premium over Harman’s closing stock price on April 25. As an alternative, stockholders could opt to exchange some or all of their stock for shares in the new company to be formed by KKR and GS Capital Partners.

Although Harman may solicit other bids until June 15, but the deal is widely expected to go through without opposition.