JVCKenwood
Japanese electronics holding company formed from JVC and Kenwood merger.
JVCKenwood, stylized as JVCKENWOOD, is a Japanese multinational electronics company based in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. The company was created on 1 October 2008 through the merger of Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC) and Kenwood Corporation. Haruo Kawahara, formerly of Kenwood, became the holding company’s chairman, while JVC’s Kunihiko Sato served as its president. The business concentrates on car and home electronics, wireless systems for the global consumer market, professional broadcast gear, CCTV, and both digital and analog two-way radio equipment and systems.
The merger began on 1 October 2008, when JVC and Kenwood agreed to integrate management by forming a joint holding company called JVC Kenwood Holdings, Inc. On 31 May 2010, the company announced it would stop camcorder production in Japan by March 2011 and move manufacturing overseas to reduce losses. On 1 August 2011, the holding company was renamed JVCKenwood Corporation, and an absorption-type merger of the JVC and Kenwood subsidiaries was finalized two months later, ending their separate operations. On 25 March 2014, JVCKenwood bought full ownership of EF Johnson Technologies to increase its share of the P25 North American public safety and professional LMR system market, making EF Johnson a wholly owned subsidiary. On 10 December 2018, it acquired a 40% stake in Tait Communications. In 2020, JVCKenwood released its first virtual reality headset for entertainment. In 2023, it streamlined finance operations by automating processes on a unified Oracle Cloud platform.
The company operates under several brands. JVC covers audio equipment, cameras, medical monitors, security utilities, and projectors; it produced Japan’s first television in 1939 and developed the VHS format in the early 1970s. Kenwood handles in-car devices, hi-fi home and personal audio, professional two-way radios, and amateur radio gear. Victor focuses on high-end audio equipment. Key subsidiaries include EF Johnson Technologies, which makes multi-band portable radios, and Victor Entertainment, which distributes music, movies, and other entertainment products.
Quick Facts
- Native Name
- 株式会社JVCケンウッド
- Romanized Name
- Kabushiki gaisha Jē bui shi Ken'uddo
- Former Name
- JVC Kenwood Holdings, Inc. (2008–2011)
- Traded As
- 6632
- Predecessors
- Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. / Kenwood Corporation
- Founded
- 2008-10-01
- Hq Location City
- Yokohama
- Hq Location Country
- Japan
- Key People
- Haruo Kawahara (chairman)Takao Tsuji (president)
- Industry
- Electronics
- Products
- Audio, visual, computer-related electronics and software, media products
- Num Employees
- Non-consolidated: 2,987, Consolidated: 18,051 (2017)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
On 1 October 2008, Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC) and Kenwood Corporation integrated their management through a joint holding company named JVC Kenwood Holdings, Inc. Haruo Kawahara of Kenwood became chairman, and JVC President Kunihiko Sato became president. On 31 May 2010, the company announced it would end camcorder production in Japan by March 2011 and shift production overseas to cut losses. On 1 August 2011, the holding company was renamed JVCKenwood Corporation, and an absorption-type merger finalized two months later, ending the separate operation of the two companies. In 2014, JVCKenwood acquired 100% of EF Johnson Technologies to increase its P25 North American public safety and professional LMR system market share. In 2018, it acquired 40% ownership of Tait Communications. In 2020, it launched its first virtual reality headset for entertainment experiences. In 2023, it streamlined finance operations by automating processes on a unified Oracle Cloud platform.
Reader's Guide
JVCKenwood's significance lies in its consolidation of two major Japanese electronics brands—JVC, known for producing the first television for the Japanese market in 1939 and developing the VHS format, and Kenwood, recognized for in-car devices, hi-fi audio, and professional two-way radio equipment. The merger created a unified entity that continues to serve consumer and professional markets across car electronics, home audio, broadcast, CCTV, and two-way radio systems. Its acquisition of EF Johnson Technologies strengthened its position in North American public safety and professional land mobile radio markets, while its stake in Tait Communications expanded its global reach. The company also maintains the Victor brand for high-end audio equipment and owns Victor Entertainment for music and movie distribution. By launching a virtual reality headset in 2020 and modernizing its finance operations in 2023, JVCKenwood has adapted to evolving technology and business environments while preserving the legacy of its constituent brands.
Did You Know?
- JVCKenwood was formed from the merger of Victor Company of Japan (JVC) and Kenwood Corporation on 1 October 2008.
- JVC developed the video home system (VHS) in the early 1970s.
- JVCKenwood acquired 100% ownership of EF Johnson Technologies on 25 March 2014.
More in Radio Manufacturers 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced