Casual observers of the electronic accessory scene will probably recognize Incipio as a seller of respectable if somewhat unremarkable cases for flagship phones and tablets. Incipio makes other accessories too, but cases and other protective add-ons are their bread and butter... which is probably why the company has left acquisitions like Braven to do their own things even after acquiring them. Observers will also know Skullcandy as a seller of remarkable if less-than-respectable headphones, lining Best Buy and Target shelves all over the US. As of this week, Incipio owns Skullcandy. How about that.

The terms of the acquisition offer $5.75 for any shares of Skullcandy, worth a combined $177 million in cash. That's a 59% premium over the headphone maker's current market value, including cash holdings and investments. Even so, less than two hundred million for access to Skullcandy's wide retail reach probably looks like a bargain to someone. Astro Gaming, Skullcandy's secondary brand of gaming-specific headsets and headphones, will come along for the ride.

Skullcandy built its brand on flashy, youth-focused designs, but critical reception for its outlandish products has never been more than middling. The company had a fascination for faux military accents and gauche color combinations in its early years, though lately it's been trying to position itself as a low-cost alternative to more respectably brands like Bose or Sennheiser. The product lineup includes everything from high-end wireless Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones to sweat-proof sport headsets to colorful budget earbuds selling for under $15.

Incipio has been broadening its horizons as of late, acquiring high-end speaker company Braven, competing accessory maker Incase, and even beachwear manufacturer Tavik. Considering the relatively hands-off approach that Incipio has taken with its other acquisitions, consumers probably won't notice much of a difference in the Skullcandy brand.

Source: Incipio

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