Intrepid Investment Bankers, a leading middle-market investment bank and the advisory arm of MUFG, announced today that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Skullcandy, Inc. (“Skullcandy”) on its acquisition by Bose Corporation (“Bose”).
The transaction brings together two iconic brands in consumer audio and builds on a successful partnership between the companies. By combining Bose’s world-class engineering capabilities, global reach, and audio innovation with Skullcandy’s distinctive brand, cultural relevance, and loyal consumer following, the acquisition creates a compelling platform for future growth and product innovation.
“Joining Bose marks an exciting new chapter for Skullcandy,” said Brian Garofalow, Chief Executive Officer of Skullcandy. “What attracted us to Bose is their respect for the Skullcandy brand and the community we’ve built over the last two decades. They understand what makes Skullcandy special and share our passion for innovation and great consumer experiences. Together, we’ll be able to invest in new products, reach more consumers, and continue building on the momentum of the business.”
Eric Yanagi, Partner at Mill Road Capital, said, “Throughout our ownership, our goal was to support Skullcandy’s growth while preserving the authenticity and culture that have made the brand so successful. Bose represents an exceptional strategic partner with a long history of innovation, category leadership, and respect for great brands. We believe this transaction creates exciting opportunities for Skullcandy, its employees, and its customers, and we are proud of what the team has accomplished.”
Gary Rabishaw, Managing Director and Head of Commercial & Consumer Technology at Intrepid, commented, “Few consumer categories sit at the intersection of technology, performance, and culture the way audio does. Skullcandy has built one of the industry’s most authentic and recognizable lifestyle brands, while Bose has long set the standard for audio innovation and engineering excellence. This combination brings together highly complementary strengths and positions the Skullcandy brand for continued growth and success.”
The transaction further reinforces Intrepid’s position as one of the most active advisors in the consumer audio sector. Combining deep expertise in consumer technology and lifestyle brands, Intrepid has advised many of the industry’s leading companies on strategic transactions, including JLab Audio and numerous engagements across premium audio, consumer electronics, and music technology.