Microsoft takes a shine to Logitech?
Investors eye $8bn takeover claim
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Microsoft wants to buy mouse maker Logitech, if investor speculation is to be believed.
At this stage, neither company is commenting on the rumour, though it pushed Logitech's Zurich-traded shares up 12 per cent today, according to Reuters.
The big question is why Microsoft would make such a move. Logitech was once the world's leading mouse manufacturer, but Microsoft has built a solid business of its own, and the growth of Asian manufacturers means Logitech' no longer the pointer powerhouse it once was.
But Logitech doesn't just make mice, and its Harmony universal remote control family might complement what Microsoft is doing to drive demand for Windows Media Center. The software giant might also have taken a shine to Logitech's Squeezebox networked music player operation, gained when it acquired Slim Devices last year.
Squeezebox could fit in with Microsoft's plans for its Zune range, and help it compete more effectively with Apple, though the deal would surely cost it future Mac and Linux customers, all of whom are currently supported thanks to Slim Devices' and now Logitech's commitment to open source software.
Microsoft's bid was alleged to value the takeover at $8bn, enough to make it the company's biggest acquisition yet.
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COMMENTS
"That brand is our last hope" - "No. There is another."
If the rumor is true, MS will probably kill the Squeezebox that Logitech acquired from Slim Devices. They'll probably replace it with some monstrosity that rapes your dog and explodes if you attempt to use it to play an AAC file or use a Linux server.
Fortunately, there is a replacement in the same market. Roku Labs has a gadget called the Soundbridge M1001 that looks very similar to the Squeezebox. (Disclaimer: I own neither devices, I am just investigating before I buy one).
So were the Redmond Beast to devour Logitech, the coolest gadget of this brand would at least be replaceable.
Now if someone could make keyboards half as good as my model M, I'd happily stockpile them.
@Alexander Hanff
Excellent plan, however, take it one step further. Wait till it's closer to deal time and buy as much Logitech kit as you can, then sit on it til after the merger/takeover. Then return it all.
Check your receipts to make sure you can of course... Costco in Canada has lots of stock and a great return policy!
--Pete
to quote many other posters...
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
too bad business and mega-corporation strategy isn't a democracy:(
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