The transaction follows a multi-year partnership between Bose and Skullcandy that introduced Sound by Bose technology into select Skullcandy earbuds and headphones. The companies plan to build on that collaboration by combining Bose’s audio engineering capabilities, research expertise, and global distribution network with Skullcandy’s product design, brand identity, and relationships with younger, lifestyle-oriented consumers.
Skullcandy will continue operating as a separate brand within Bose’s Premium Consumer Audio business, maintaining its distinct identity and connection to communities centered on music, gaming, fitness, and action sports.
Founded in 2003 in Park City, Utah, Skullcandy established its position in the consumer electronics industry by developing audio products that combine performance with distinctive designs and cultural influences. The brand has particularly strong connections to boardsports, including snowboarding and skateboarding, through longstanding relationships with athletes and enthusiasts.
These relationships provide Bose with opportunities to engage customer segments where its existing brands have a more limited presence. The acquisition also broadens Bose’s ability to offer differentiated audio products across various consumer preferences, lifestyles, and price categories.
Bose intends to invest in Skullcandy’s continued development by providing access to additional technologies, engineering resources, global distribution capabilities, and commercial partnerships. These investments are expected to support new product innovation, expand Skullcandy’s international presence, and create opportunities for collaboration across the companies’ respective product portfolios.
The acquisition represents another step in Bose’s expansion beyond its flagship audio products into a broader portfolio of premium and luxury audio brands. Its existing portfolio includes Bose, McIntosh, and Sonus faber, with Skullcandy now adding a lifestyle-oriented consumer audio business.
By maintaining separate brands, Bose aims to preserve the individual characteristics and customer relationships that distinguish each business while using shared technological capabilities and operational resources to support long-term growth.
Skullcandy will remain headquartered in Park City, Utah, and continue developing products under its established brand. Its existing consumer relationships and cultural positioning will remain central to the company’s strategy following the acquisition.
Bose purchased Skullcandy from a fund managed by Mill Road Capital Management LLC, a Connecticut-based private investment firm. Jones Day served as legal counsel to Bose in connection with the transaction.
The acquisition also reflects Bose’s long-term investment approach as a privately held company. By combining established brands with complementary technology and distribution capabilities, Bose is positioning itself to expand its global consumer reach while developing new audio products and experiences.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Lila Snyder, Chief Executive Officer Of Bose Corporation
“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.”
Brian Garofalow, Chief Executive Officer Of Skullcandy
