Harman to Acquire ZF's ADAS Business for €1.5 Billion

Harman International, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business of ZF Group. The transaction, valued at €1.5 billion, includes automotive compute solutions, smart cameras, radars, and ADAS software.

The acquisition aligns with Harman's strategy to integrate consumer-like experiences with automotive-grade reliability in software-defined vehicles (SDV). By combining ZF's ADAS technologies with Harman's digital cockpit offerings, the deal supports centralised vehicle architectures that merge assisted driving, safety, and in-cabin features on shared platforms.

This approach aims to simplify system design, reduce complexity, and enable faster innovation for OEMs.

Christian Sobottka, CEO and President, Automotive Division, Harman, said the industry is shifting toward unified computing where safety and intelligence converge. The addition of ZF's capabilities will enable perception-informed features and personalized driving, backed by Harman's expertise and Samsung's technology.

Mathias Miedreich, CEO, ZF Group, stated Harman’s the ideal partner to unlock ADAS growth potential, while allowing ZF to reduce debt and focus on core technologies.

Young Sohn, Chairman, Harman Board, and Senior Advisor, Samsung Electronics, noted the acquisition builds on Samsung's track record of strategic buys, scaling Harman's automotive business from $7 billion to over $11 billion since 2017. It strengthens leadership in intelligent mobility.

Approximately 3,750 ZF employees across Europe, the Americas, and Asia are expected to join Harman upon closing in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Existing programs are claimed to continue with full support, while teams align for next-generation platforms.

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