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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Clyne Media, Inc.
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARMAN SPECIALTY GROUP ANNOUNCES RESTRUCTURINGJanuary 31, 2008 — The Harman Specialty Group (HSG) brands have had long and distinguished histories developing products that have consistently redefined performance excellence. In today’s market, what it takes to do that has changed as the pace of new technologies intensifies and the demands to simplify the consumer experience increase. Over the next several months, HSG will be restructuring to better serve its customers’ needs and to leverage the depth of talent and resources that exist throughout Harman International.
In Northridge, California, Harman’s extensive research and development center will grow to embrace both electronics and acoustics. And HSG will be there with it to draw from its strength and to help guide its focus: the scope and subjects for research, the development of key technologies, the choice of strategic partnerships and alliances. As neighbors, we will multiply the effect we each have separately. The results will yield products for all HSG brands that manifest our decades long commitment to exceptional performance, as we embrace – without duplicating efforts and costs – today’s demands for standards such as HDMI and consumers’ demands for simplicity without compromise. Jim Hardiman, V.P. Engineering, will continue to lead our efforts as we drive the completion of our current roadmap and the transition to our new engineering location.
This transition will be carried out in deliberate phases throughout 2008 and it will involve nearly all aspects of HSG’s business. The Order Administration and Technical Support functions will move to Woodbury, NY along with Marketing, Finance and other support functions. Once all phases have been completed it will result in the closure of the Bedford and Billerica facilities.
The leadership and management of the brands will continue as they are today. John Batliner will continue to lead HSG and oversee all aspects of the brands, guiding HSG through this transition and implementing a winning formula for the future. The brand identity and superior performance of HSG products will not change – but the pace and means in which they bring these products to market will.
Overall channel management and sales will remain in Massachusetts led by industry veterans including Walter Schofield, Hank Finke, Ed Stadlen and Patrick Gaffney with Andy Baker continuing management of Europe, the Middle East and Africa from his UK office. Kevin Voecks will continue his leadership role in guiding Revel’s success.
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The Harman Specialty Group (HSG) is a leading manufacturer of high-performance, highfidelity audio and video components. The group’s brands include Mark Levinson®, Revel®, and Lexicon®.
For more information on the complete range of Mark Levinson, Revel, and Lexicon products, contact Harman Specialty Group, 3 Oak Park Drive, Bedford, MA 01730-1413. Tel: (781) 280-0300; Fax: (781) 280-0490; Web: www.harmanspecialtygroup.com
Mark Levinson, Revel and Lexicon are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
For more information on Harman International Industries, Incorporated, visit: www.harman.com. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HAR.”
© 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
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