Bose Buys Audio Rival Skullcandy

Bose has acquired Skullcandy and is adopting the headphone and speaker firm as a separate model beneath its client audio corporate affairs. Bose did not share how a lot it paid for the corporate in a press launch saying the acquisition, however a collaborative relationship between the 2 audio rivals has existed for a number of years. Skullcandy has launched a number of audio merchandise with “Sound by Bose,” together with its current Skullcandy Crusher 1080 headphones.

Following the acquisition, Skullcandy will proceed to function from Park City, Utah, the place it was based. The firm may also profit from higher entry to Bose’s know-how and assets, which Bose says ought to allow it to proceed to develop and develop. For Bose, the acquisition is basically about Skullcandy’s viewers. The extra lifestyle-oriented audio firm has inroads into the worlds of sports activities, gaming, music and health that would permit Bose to “meaningfully join with customers the place it has much less presence as we speak.”

“For greater than 60 years, Bose has been dedicated to delivering unbelievable audio experiences nonetheless and wherever folks select to hear. As we work to achieve much more folks, we’re increasing how we do this, not solely by means of Bose merchandise, however by means of know-how partnerships and a rising portfolio of manufacturers,” Bose CEO Lila Snyder says.

Bose is effectively generally known as a purveyor of a sure caliber of premium audio expertise — notably when you care about active noise cancellation — however it’s not hip, fashionable or cool. In that approach, Skullcandy could possibly be the Beats to Bose’s Apple, reaching a youthful, extra different viewers, whereas benefiting from the trickle-down technological developments of Bose’s pricier headphones.