Harman to acquire Interchain Solution, to expand Android-based infotainment and telemetrics solutions

Bangalore, August 9, 2012: Harman, the premium global audio and infotainment group, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Bangalore-based Interchain Solution, a technology product company that specialises in developing telematics, fleet management, Android-based in-vehicle infotainment and location-based solutions.

The acquisition will expand Harman’s design and engineering footprint in India, and will augment the company’s automotive infotainment and telematics offerings. Interchain’s products such as GWVectra and GWTrack will complement Harman’s portfolio and also expand the company’s reach to include commercial vehicle makers.

“We are delighted to have the outstanding team of specialists from Interchain join us,” said Dinesh C Paliwal, chairman, president and CEO of Harman (pictured). “Some of the freshest and most innovative ideas are being developed in India and other emerging markets, and we will harness this energy such that customers get magnified gains through use of emerging technologies and platforms combined with Harman’s highly successful and proven infotainment solutions.”

Anand Ramamoorthy, MD of Harman (India) said, “We believe the combination of Interchain and Harman will provide our customers in both established and emerging markets with a highly compelling proposition. In addition to enhancing our competitiveness, speed to innovate and spread of offerings in the space, it will allow us to offer our clients truly integrated and globally competitive products and solutions.”

Interchain has an array of cost-effective hardware platforms which are deployed for fleet tracking, connectivity, telematics applications and an Android-based Infotainment solution for Automotive OEMs. Some of Interchain’s current customers include TeleAtlas, ALJACS Toyota, Mahindra & Mahindra and government institutions such as police and transport departments of various cities across India.