Skullcandy Inc. is an American company based in Park City, Utah, that markets technology such as headphones, earphones, Bluetooth speakers and other products.[2]
The company was founded in 2003 and went public in 2011. It was acquired by Mill Road Capital for $196.9 million and the deal was finalized on October 3, 2016, making Skullcandy a wholly owned private subsidiary of that company.
Products
Skullcandy's products are primarily targeted at the outdoor action sports demographic (snowboarders, skateboarders, etc.) and the general consumer market, but they have expanded in recent years into the premium audio market with products such as the Crusher headphones.[3]
Over recent years, Skullcandy has launched a range of partnerships and collaborations that span audio and lifestyle brands, and influential individuals. The company has established technology partnerships with leading audio companies such as Bose and THX to integrate advanced sound features into its products.[4][5] Additionally, the brand has launched limited-edition collections and collaborations, including with Burton, and Doritos.[6][7]
Skullcandy products are sold through retailers, specialty outlets, corporate incentive programs and the company's online store.[8]
Company history
Skullcandy was founded by Rick Alden and Cris Williams in 2003. The first Skullcandy product, the Skullcandy Portable Link, was introduced at the 2003 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The LINK system combines headphones with hands-free cellular technology, allowing users to listen to music from a portable audio device, while making and receiving calls through their cellphone. Skullcandy holds a patent for the wireless version of LINK technology.[9]
In December 2008, Skullcandy products were described as "the world's coolest ear buds" by Fortune magazine.[10]
In April 2011, Skullcandy purchased headphones manufacturer Astro Gaming from Astro Studios for an unknown amount of cash.
On January 28, 2011, Skullcandy filed for an initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission.[11] This announcement was met with some criticism from the financial press.[12][13]
On June 24, 2016, Incipio, a maker of phone cases, wireless speakers, and other accessories, announced plans to acquire Skullcandy for $177million; however, the deal later fell through as Incipio refused to submit a proposed amendment to the merger agreement and Skullcandy terminated the agreement.[14] Skullcandy considered numerous other offers, eventually agreeing to be acquired by Mill Road Capital for $196.9million at $6.35 per share. The deal was finalized and completed on October 3, 2016, and the company became a private business again.[15]
External links
References
- Skullcandy, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and 2015 Results (NASDAQ:SKUL) retrieved January 9, 2017^
- Bryan Gardiner. The Secret Scam of Cheap Earbuds Gizmodo, August 24, 2010, retrieved August 27, 2015^
- Skullcandy adds Scot Carlson as vice president of finance Globalsurfnews.com, April 1, 2008, retrieved April 5, 2008^
- Tony Ware. Skullcandy's new Method 360 ANC earbuds feel like a steal Popular Science, 2025-04-18, retrieved 2025-11-12^
- businesswire. Skullcandy and THX Partner to Bring THX Spatial Audio to Music Lovers and Gamers on the Go Silicon UK, 2024-12-05, retrieved 2025-11-12^
- Adam Ready. SKULLCANDY AND BURTON REVEAL LIMITED-EDITION “THE WILD SIDE” COLLABORATION insideKENT, 2023-03-02, retrieved 2025-11-12^
- Skullcandy and Doritos Announce New Collaboration retrieved 2025-11-12^
- Rymax Marketing Partners with Skullcandy for Incentive Products ChiefMarketer, February 20, 2008, retrieved November 26, 2016^
- Cory Sorice. Patent Monkey: Skullcandy Patents LINK between Cell Phone and iPod TechCrunch, March 13, 2007, retrieved November 26, 2016^
- Michael Copeland. The world's coolest ear buds CNN, December 30, 2008, retrieved May 23, 2010^
- Form S1 for Skullcandy, Inc. SEC.gov, January 28, 2011, retrieved February 15, 2011^
- Dennis Berman. Skullcandy IPO? Check Your Head The Wall Street Journal, February 1, 2011, retrieved February 15, 2011^
- The Game: Skullcandy IPO is a Headscratcher The Wall Street Journal, February 1, 2011^
- Sean O'Kane. Incipio is buying Skullcandy to expand its accessory empire June 24, 2016, retrieved June 24, 2016^
- Laura Berman. Mill Road Capital victorious in Skullcandy bidding war TheStreet, August 24, 2016, retrieved November 26, 2016^