GN Store Nord and Amplifon have announced that all regulatory approvals have been secured for Amplifon’s planned acquisition of GN’s hearing aid business, bringing the companies one step closer to completing one of the hearing industry’s largest transactions of 2026.
The final approval came from the European Commission, following earlier clearances in the United States and Australia. Both companies confirmed that they continue to expect the transaction to close by the end of 2026, subject to the remaining requirements for completing the sale.
The announcement represents an important milestone in a transaction that would bring GN’s hearing aid manufacturing operations under the ownership of Amplifon, one of the world’s largest hearing care retailers.
European Approval Removes Final Regulatory Hurdle
The proposed acquisition was announced on March 16, 2026, setting in motion a major restructuring of GN’s hearing healthcare operations.
Under the agreement, Amplifon would acquire GN’s Hearing business, which includes established hearing aid brands such as ReSound, Beltone, and Interton. The transaction would significantly expand Amplifon’s presence in hearing aid manufacturing, complementing its existing global network of hearing care clinics.
In separate announcements issued November 6, GN and Amplifon confirmed that the European Commission’s approval completes the regulatory clearance process.
GN stated that the separation of its Hearing business from the rest of the company is progressing as expected. Amplifon similarly reported that integration planning is moving forward in accordance with applicable regulations, with the goal of being prepared when the transaction officially closes.
Although regulatory approvals are now complete, the acquisition itself has not yet been finalized. The companies must still complete the remaining separation and closing activities before ownership can formally transfer.
Acquisition Financing and Shareholder Approval Already in Place
The acquisition, valued at approximately DKK 17 billion (~$2.5 billion) when announced, includes a combination of cash and Amplifon shares. Under the agreement, GN is expected to receive approximately €1.69 billion in cash and 56 million newly issued Amplifon shares.
Several major steps toward completing the transaction have already taken place.
In June, Amplifon secured a €1.35 billion (~$1.46 billion) loan to help finance the acquisition. The company also completed an equity offering earlier in the year to support the purchase.
In September, Amplifon outlined plans to issue 56 million new shares to GN, an important part of the transaction’s financing structure. Shareholders subsequently approved the capital increase on October 29, removing another significant obstacle to completion.
The regulatory clearance follows Amplifon’s third-quarter financial results, released in late October, when the company reported improving profitability and confirmed that preparations for integrating GN Hearing remained on schedule.
What the Acquisition Could Mean for Hearing Healthcare
The transaction would bring together two major businesses operating in different parts of the hearing healthcare industry.
GN Hearing develops and manufactures hearing aids and related technology, with a portfolio that includes ReSound, Beltone, Interton, Danavox, and Danalogic. Amplifon, meanwhile, operates a large international network of hearing care clinics and retail locations.
Combining these operations would give Amplifon greater direct involvement in hearing aid research, development, and manufacturing, alongside its existing clinical and retail activities.
The companies have described the proposed combination as an opportunity to strengthen innovation, expand their international reach, and improve coordination between hearing technology development and patient care.
For hearing healthcare professionals, the acquisition could also have longer-term implications for product distribution, manufacturer-retailer relationships, and competition within the hearing aid market. However, neither company’s November 6 announcement outlined specific changes to product availability, professional partnerships, or clinical operations following closing.
For GN, completing the sale would mark its departure from hearing aid manufacturing as a core business, allowing the company to concentrate on its remaining enterprise audio, video collaboration, and gaming technology operations.
Closing Still Expected Before Year-End
With the final regulatory approval secured, attention now turns to completing the remaining separation and closing requirements.
GN said the process of separating its Hearing business is proceeding according to expectations, while Amplifon confirmed that integration planning is continuing in preparation for the anticipated transfer of ownership.
Both companies maintained their expectation that the acquisition will be completed by December 31, 2026.
The transaction would represent a major change in the global hearing healthcare landscape, combining one of the industry’s established hearing aid manufacturers with one of its largest hearing care retail organizations.
For now, the companies remain separate businesses, with the final closing expected in the coming weeks.
Sources: GN Store Nord, Amplifon
