Bose Corporation has announced the acquisition of lifestyle audio company Skullcandy from a fund managed by Mill Road Capital Management LLC, a Connecticut-based private investment firm.
The transaction expands Bose’s portfolio by incorporating a brand recognized for its design-focused consumer hardware and ties to action sports, gaming, and youth culture. Financial terms and specific conditions of the agreement were not disclosed.
The buyout builds upon an existing multi-year collaboration between the two audio manufacturers, which previously integrated “Sound by Bose” acoustic tuning and technology into select Skullcandy headphones and earbuds. According to the announcement, the acquisition is structured to combine Bose’s engineering, research capabilities, and global distribution network with Skullcandy’s product styling and market reach.
Under the terms of the agreement, Skullcandy will operate as a standalone brand within Bose’s Premium Consumer Audio division, retaining its headquarters in Park City, Utah. Bose stated it plans to provide technical and commercial resources to support Skullcandy’s product roadmap while preserving the brand’s distinct operational identity and market positioning.
Lila Snyder, Chief Executive Officer of Bose Corporation, said:
For more than 60 years, Bose has been committed to delivering incredible audio experiences however and wherever people choose to listen. 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. As a privately held company, we have the freedom to make bold, long-term investments in opportunities we believe in, and Skullcandy is a great example of that. They have an established, thriving brand, and together we see tremendous opportunity to create new products and experiences and reach more consumers around the world.
Brian Garofalow, Chief Executive Officer of Skullcandy, said:
We believe this is a win for Skullcandy and our fans. 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.