Audio company Bose Corporation has acquired lifestyle audio brand Skullcandy. The acquisition will see Bose combine its audio expertise, technology, and global reach with Skullcandy’s design and community connections to create new products. The acquisition follows a multi-year partnership that has already brought Sound by Bose technology to Skullcandy earbuds and headphones.
Skullcandy will remain a separate brand within Bose’s Premium Consumer Audio business. Skullcandy’s roots in boardsports includes a longstanding relationship with passionate supporters of the culture and its athletes.
“As we work to reach even more people, we’re expanding how we do that, not only through Bose products, but through technology partnerships and a growing portfolio of brands,” says Lila Snyder, CEO of Bose Corporation. She adds that Skullcandy has an “established, thriving brand, and together we see tremendous opportunity to create new products and experiences and reach more consumers around the world.”
“We believe this is a win for Skullcandy and our fans,” adds Brian Garofalow, CEO of Skullcandy. “Skullcandy was born on a chairlift in Park City, Utah, over 20 years ago, and we’ve always believed great music should be part of the experiences people love. Joining Bose gives us the opportunity to make those experiences even better by bringing more of their audio expertise and technology to our products, and it opens up even more ways to take Skullcandy further.”
Bose plans to invest in Skullcandy’s continued growth, providing greater access to technology, resources, global distribution, and commercial relationships while giving the brand the freedom to continue evolving in ways that are authentic to its identity and consumers. Skullcandy will continue to be based in Park City, Utah.
Bose acquired Skullcandy from a fund managed by Mill Road Capital Management LLC, a Connecticut-based private investment firm. Jones Day acted as Bose’s legal counsel. Additional information, including financial and other terms of the transaction, will remain confidential.