Samsung Electronics' HARMAN to Acquire ZF’s ADAS Biz for €1.5 Bn

HARMAN International will acquire the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business of ZF Group for €1.5 billion ($1.77 billion). 

The deal covers automotive compute solutions, smart cameras, radars and ADAS software, and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

“The industry is at an inflexion point where safety, intelligence, and in-cabin experience must come together through a unified computing architecture,” said Christian Sobottka, chief executive officer and president of HARMAN’s automotive division, in a statement. He added that the acquisition expands HARMAN’s portfolio with “complementary ADAS capabilities.”

With the acquisition, HARMAN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, will expand its presence in ADAS and centralised vehicle compute platforms. About 3,750 ZF employees across Europe, the Americas and Asia are expected to transition to HARMAN upon closing of the transaction.

HARMAN said the deal strengthens its position as automakers move towards software-defined vehicles. The company plans to integrate ZF’s ADAS capabilities with its digital cockpit offerings within a centralised compute architecture.

ZF said the sale allows it to reduce debt and focus on core technologies. “With HARMAN, we have found the ideal partner to fully unlock the growth and innovation potential of our ADAS business,” said Mathias Miedreich, chief executive officer of ZF Group.

Samsung said the acquisition builds on HARMAN’s growth since 2017. “Adding ZF’s ADAS capabilities builds on that momentum,” said Young Sohn, chairman of HARMAN’s board and senior advisor to Samsung Electronics.