While it’s not specific to Microsoft, a recent acquisition caught our attention that involves a retail partner of Microsoft’s. Specifically, audio product manufacturer Skullcandy is being acquired by Incipio, maker of a number of popular cases and other accessories for mobile devices. The Skullcandy brand of over the ear and in-ear headphones have been gracing Microsoft Store shelves for years as a an attainable low cost alternative to the flashier and higher price brands of Beats and Bose. Announced in a press release today, the deal is valued at approximately $177 million dollars.
Here’s the gist:
Highlights of the Merger:
- Unites leading brands (Incipio, Skullcandy, Incase, Astro Gaming, Braven Audio, and Tavik) to specialize in serving consumers across technology driven lifestyles.
- Creates new licensing opportunities with future and current licensing partners including kate spade new york, Jack Spade, Burton, Rebecca Minkoff, and Tumi through enhanced product and marketing focus in new and existing categories.
- Combines leadership and operational capabilities of both companies to drive scale and efficiencies that will allow teams to focus additional time and resources on serving the consumer through enhanced products and innovation.
- Provides retailers a one-stop-shop for multiple technology lifestyle categories.
According to Incipio CEO and Founder Andy Fahtollahi, the deal represents an excellent merger of cultures and products that will result in value for customers of both companies:
We have long admired Skullcandy’s culture of innovation and ability to create pioneering audio experiences with quality and style. Skullcandy and Astro amplify our dynamic mix of products and brands, while bolstering the technical and operational capabilities that serve as the foundation of our platform. The team at Skullcandy and its international presence will also allow us to accelerate the global impact of our multi-brand offense.
Skullcandy President and CEO Hoby Darling agreed:
We are excited to be joining forces with Incipio Group as we believe it’s in the best interests of Skullcandy and our shareholders. The combination of our two companies allows us to better serve our consumers and retailers with focused, best-in-class products in multiple categories. We share a common culture, vision and commitment to driving innovation and this merger will allow our two teams to amplify their efforts going forward. Also, importantly, we remain deeply committed to our teams, retail partners, ambassadors and community. Those things are all part of our DNA as a company born in the mountains in Park City for Skullcandy and in the technology and gaming hub of San Francisco for Astro.
Mergers like this can have mixed results for customers over the long term. Let us know in the comments what you think of this deal.