News Article
Amplifon vertically integrates as Sonova refocuses core
The global hearing care industry is experiencing a structural realignment as major players rethink their positions across the value chain.
Italian retail giant Amplifon has announced a transformative €2.3bn acquisition of Danish manufacturer GN Hearing. This landmark transaction shifts Amplifon from a pure play audiology retailer into a fully vertically integrated global platform.
Conversely, Swiss manufacturer Sonova is taking a different strategic path by shedding peripheral assets to refocus on its core prescription and medical devices.
Sonova recently confirmed plans to divest its Consumer Hearing division, which operates under the licensed Sennheiser brand. The company originally acquired the Sennheiser consumer division in 2022 to explore the early entry hearables market.
For operators and investors, these parallel moves highlight a sector rapidly polarising around high margin integration.
Sonova aims to eliminate a consumer division. Meanwhile, Amplifon will now compete directly as a manufacturer against former supply partners like Sonova.
