The American maker of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones (founded by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine in 2006). In August 2011 HTC bought 50.1% for $300 million to differentiate its phones through sound: starting with the Sensation XE and Rhyme, all flagships got a Beats Audio profile and branded headphones in the box. But the headphones raised the price, and the partnership gave no exclusivity (Beats wanted to sell to HP and others). In July 2012 HTC sold half of its stake back for $150 million (25% remained), and in September 2013 sold the remainder for $265 million, earning about $115 million on the deal overall. In May 2014 Apple bought Beats for $3 billion. Phones with Beats Audio: Sensation XE/XL, Rhyme, Rezound, Vivid, One X/S/V, 8X/8S, Desire C/V/X, and the One M7 (the last, in software only).
Specifications
| Deal | August 2011: 50.1% for $300 million |
|---|---|
| Exit | 2012: sold 25% for $150 million; 2013: sold the remainder for $265 million |
| Outcome for HTC | ~+$115 million |
| Phones with Beats | 2011–2013, Sensation XE → One M7 |
| Later fate | acquired by Apple for $3 billion (2014) |
Data from Wikipedia (en)
| Type | Subsidiary |
|---|
From Wikipedia
Beats Electronics is an American consumer audio products and accessories manufacturer headquartered in Culver City, California. The company was founded in 2006 by the music producer Dr. Dre and the co-founder of Interscope Records and former CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M, Jimmy Iovine. Beats was acquired by Apple in 2014, where they have used Beats to release other products centered around Apple's ecosystem but released under the name of Beats.
Source: Beats (brand) — Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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