Microsoft to buy Logitech?

A rumor swirling about the bowels of the Internets says that Microsoft is about to launch a takeover bid for Swiss-based Logitech. If true, Microsoft, the largest software house in the world would become the world's largest maker of webcams, mice and other peripheral devices. Share prices are surging on speculation that Microsoft will make a takeover bid valued at 48 francs per share, a 38% premium over yesterday's closing price. Our take? We're pretty skeptical. Both companies have been extraordinarily successful without each other. And at first take, the union seems to offer neither company any advantage in the market. Perhaps the rumor mill confused Logitech with Japan's Logitec -- that would make perfect sense. Yeah.

[Thanks, Khattab]

[bob sakamano @ Jan 10th 2008 10:35AM]

looks like a pretty good move if microsoft does it

[shanoboy @ Jan 10th 2008 10:36AM]

I think both companies make great hardware (most of the time). But the merger would only result in less options for the consumer in the market place.

I kind of hope this isn't true, but then again I guess I don't really care all that much.

[Meltz @ Jan 10th 2008 11:44AM]

I would have to disagree. I love logitech's stuff, but I have had horrible experience with Microsoft's mice and other things. I really hope Microsoft does not buy them out!

[davekilljoy @ Jan 10th 2008 11:58AM]

Ahem...You know Logitec makes all M$ hardware right?

...

[Charlie Calhoun @ Jan 10th 2008 2:03PM]

You mean Logitech makes all Microsoft's Hardware?

[Charlie Calhoun @ Jan 10th 2008 2:03PM]

You mean Logitech makes all Microsoft's Hardware?

[Warren @ Jan 10th 2008 6:37PM]

i hope Logitech does not merge with Microsoft, because logitech is also making peripherals for sony's ps3.
plus computer accessory wise, microsoft is not even close or on par with Logitech's quality.

[DJWhiplash2001 @ Jan 10th 2008 10:38AM]

Great logistical move, if it happens.

Maybe they'll help Logitech dig their useless software even deeper into your computer.

[Speddy @ Jan 10th 2008 10:43AM]

That would be a logical move. Logitech makes some great hardware, but awful software controlling it. M$ to the rescue!

(Actually, I think M$ mice were the best until I got a Logitech MX laser mouse. If M$ buys Logitech, I see PS3 users with M$ MOMO steering wheels! Irony?)

[mcatrage @ Jan 10th 2008 11:29AM]

Stop using M$.

[Justin @ Jan 10th 2008 11:31AM]

I don't know this em-dollar company you speak of.

[Luigi193 @ Jan 10th 2008 11:33AM]

Especially on OS X... The control program for the Logitech MX Revolution was just CRAP that barely worked. It secretly used APE "enhancers" that caused a bunch of computers to get the BSoD on install...

They could sure use Microsoft's help there... but I have a strange feeling there would be less apple love if said takeover was true...

[Atanas Boev @ Jan 10th 2008 12:34PM]

M$ is a sting variable with name "M" in applesoft basic :)

10 LET M$ = "SOME TEXT HERE"
20 ?M$

[brokenkeyboard @ Jan 10th 2008 1:17PM]

M$ = Mega-Dollars, clearly.

[DonatoM3 @ Jan 10th 2008 1:42PM]

Why does everyone keep putting the dollar sign on MS's name when Apple is the one who charges $150 for their service pack uhhh I mean "Tiger" "Leopard" "Jaguar" "whatever cat updates". With MS you pay for an Operating system and you don't need to buy another one for easily 4 years and still can use all the latest stuff they have to offer. On OS 10.3 you can't even use a USB DVD burner without paying for an upgrade to 10.4. So stop with the M$ comments.

[Elliott @ Jan 10th 2008 1:58PM]

Whelp, I better start stocking up on G5s.

If MS comes into play they're going to ruin Logitech.

[Luigi193 @ Jan 10th 2008 2:11PM]

Why does everyone keep putting the dollar sign on MS's name when Apple is the one who charges $150 for their service pack uhhh I mean "Tiger" "Leopard" "Jaguar" "whatever cat updates". With MS you pay for an Operating system and you don't need to buy another one for easily 4 years and still can use all the latest stuff they have to offer. On OS 10.3 you can't even use a USB DVD burner without paying for an upgrade to 10.4. So stop with the M$ comments.
------------------------

That is very true, BUT if you are to buy the ultimate version of Vista that would run you 399 if you want all the features and is only one ( i think) license, a new version of OS X comes out more freq. but costs 129 and has unlimited (not legally...but no way to stop it) licenses.

BUT then you could turn around and say that the upgrade version of Vista is cheaper, which is very true.

EVERY company is cheap... Apple can be very overpriced (original iPhone, most of their computers....) but so is the majority of the rest of the tech world...

[blueboy @ Jan 10th 2008 10:42AM]

What I want to know is why? What is Microsoft after with this deal? Better hardware specialist for the Zune an Xbox?

[Speddy @ Jan 10th 2008 10:47AM]

Think? M$ wants a home media center. Why redesign home remotes (Logitech)? M$ wants their software in everything. Could be a smart move.

What if Apple engineered iPod/iPhone to control home systems? ah the future...now just get rid of Oil Cronies and greed and the world will be a happier place!

[michael @ Jan 11th 2008 12:29AM]

@Andir 3.0:

If you let Apple take another industry, you'll have to deal with old subpar iPods that just don't work sometimes, bulky iTunes software to work with because they won't have to spend time and make them better. IE is free, 360 in some ways offers up to more value than the PS3.

And Microsoft did fix Xbox 360 hardware defects - 3 years of free warranty. Wow, that sounds like a company that's super bad and lazy. And I think Microsoft has finally stopped resting on its laurels and understands their image of being a lazy oaf is going to have to stop. Office 07' and Zune 80 are clear examples that Microsoft isn't just a sitting oaf anymore.

[debugy2k @ Jan 10th 2008 10:42AM]

I love logitech products...but if it starts getting a microsoft branding then I just might stay away....

[helloUser @ Jan 10th 2008 10:47AM]

Same here, I really dont want a microsoft logo slapped on my mouse. I really like logitech, their mice and keyboards are amazing, and I like the company behind the products. I'd like to see things stay as they are.

[Scott @ Jan 10th 2008 11:20AM]

I have to second this thought. I am as much of a Logitech fanboy as one could probably be. If the branding changed to microsoft I'd have to find my mice and keyboards somewhere else, and I don't particularly like my other options.

[jus10 @ Jan 10th 2008 11:44AM]

I'm with you guys; if MS acquires Logitech and starts dragging their stuff down I'll be moving to other vendors for my mousing needs.

[strider_mt2k @ Jan 10th 2008 12:11PM]

I've sworn by Logitech stuff for years.
This is the only thing that would make me re-evaluate my stance.

[Andir3.0 @ Jan 10th 2008 12:24PM]

Ditto. I would make my G15 and MX1000 last as long as humanly possible until another company came in to compete with the evil.

[MosquitoControl @ Jan 10th 2008 1:45PM]

That's somewhat idiotic.

You love a certain product, but if it changes brand you'll hate it?



Did Microsoft rape your dog?

[Andir3.0 @ Jan 10th 2008 2:03PM]

It's about competition. If you let Microsoft take control of yet another industry, you'll get subpar mice, keyboards, and devices because they won't have to spend time and money making them better. They would just kick out mediocre stuff that's just "good enough" to make a buck if even that. Just like Windows, IE, the 360, and all the other cheap products at a premium price. If there was a defect Microsoft would go on denying there were problems with the hardware to cover it up and only after it hit mainstream media and lawsuits filed would they actually confess. Sound familiar?

[debugy2k @ Jan 10th 2008 2:38PM]

It's like will you buy a Ferrari if Ford was the manufacturer?
Cause I'm not going to buy a Logitech product manufactured by Microsoft.

[michael @ Jan 11th 2008 12:44AM]

@Andir 3.0:

If you let Apple take another industry, you'll have to deal with old subpar iPods that just don't work sometimes, bulky iTunes software to work with because they won't have to spend time and make them better. IE is free, 360 in some ways offers up to more value than the PS3.

And Microsoft did fix Xbox 360 hardware defects - 3 years of free warranty. Wow, that sounds like a company that's super bad and lazy. And I think Microsoft has finally stopped resting on its laurels and understands their image of being a lazy oaf is going to have to stop. Office 07' and Zune 80 are clear examples that Microsoft isn't just a sitting oaf anymore.

[debugy2k @ Jan 10th 2008 10:43AM]

I love logitech products...but if it starts getting a microsoft branding then I just might stay away....

[demonic_bunny @ Jan 10th 2008 10:47AM]

Interesting if true, but honestly, doesnt really bother me if my next MX series mouse has the MS or Logitech logo on it...

[Andir3.0 @ Jan 10th 2008 12:26PM]

Then you are more a part of the problem than the solution.

[calligo @ Jan 10th 2008 1:09PM]

What problem and what solution exactly?

[Andir3.0 @ Jan 10th 2008 2:07PM]

The problem = over 95% market share making sub-par products

The solution = competition

[John @ Jan 10th 2008 2:48PM]

I like the new avatar system - it makes 'Andir3.0' comments so much easier to identify and ignore, as a rule.

Part of the problem instead of the solution? How is any consumer part of the problem? Or the solution? What IS the solution you speak of - or did you just think that one cliché's as good as another?

[Eric J. @ Jan 10th 2008 10:47AM]

Just don't screw up my Harmony remote!

[ygaddy @ Jan 10th 2008 11:58PM]

I love my Harmony as well, but I would be far more concerned with MSFT screwing up the Squeezebox (Logitech aquired Slim Devices). Right now, the backend is open, hackable, and runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD. I could easily see Microsoft ruining it by killing the good hardware and replacing it with crap generic "Media Center Extender" boxes.

[zzebi @ Jan 10th 2008 10:54AM]

Microsoft has long been working on computer vision algorithms for software applications and a man-machine interface. Even Bill Gates himself mentioned several times that they want to make a camera based intelligent interface standard.
Maybe it's time and MS is preparing a big announcement. It would make sense to have a major camera maker on their sides to provide hardware support.

It's just speculation, but definitely makes sense. After all the money spent on this field in MS Research, they have to come out with something amazing soon.

[cduran01 @ Jan 10th 2008 10:57AM]

This rumor was probably started by a Logitech shareholder who wants to make a quick buck.

I really hope it isn't true, there needs to be serious competition, and this is not good at all for competition.

[Darren Tilley @ Jan 10th 2008 11:07AM]

Logitech and Sony have always had a close working relationship when it came to officially supported peripherals. They manufacture the official PS2 wheel and there was also something about their G25 wheel becoming the official PS3 wheel. They also have a whole range of third party peripherals and accessories for the whole PlayStation range.

I wonder how that would work out. I doubt Microsoft would want to invest in their main competitor.

[TheCow5 @ Jan 10th 2008 11:24AM]

"I doubt Microsoft would want to invest in their main competitor."

I would say that’s the best way to make money off your competition, look and the money they have invested in google and apple.

[Darren Tilley @ Jan 10th 2008 12:02PM]

I really hope you are right. Sony has thrown a lot of support into the PS3 for hardware that they don't manufacture officially (Bluetooth Keyboard as an example. Logitech make a really nice MediaBoard for the PS3)

Logitech also made good hard cases for the PSP long before Sony did anything like it. It's like they are picking up the slack where Sony leaves gaps in the market.

If Sony were to loose Logitech as a producer of third party peripherals, it would be a nightmare of shoddy MadCatz peripherals, trying to fill the Logitech-shaped left behind.

[kpfeif @ Jan 10th 2008 11:07AM]

Great. I have both a Harmony Remote and a Squeezebox, both products of companies that Logitech acquired. They're great products, but is Microsoft interested in keeping them great or just getting rid of them so they can introduce their own thing?

There's an incredibly active open source community for the Squeezebox - I don't think Microsoft's culture would embrace this.

[Sirius @ Jan 10th 2008 11:07AM]

Last time i bought a mice (i don't do it often.. usually get dad's old ones) the choice came down to Microsoft and Logitech... Logitech won.. only cos they had stock.. but point is.. I'd rather have the competition.. in all fairness Microsoft makes decent HIDs, Logitech does too.. but yea.. I just prefer to see them distinct..

I have to say tho.. when I first saw the title.. I was reminded of Bungie.. and Halo... and how Macs never got it first.. damnit! /end-fanboyish-rant

[Randy Gentry @ Jan 10th 2008 11:11AM]

I thought that they were already in cahoots with each other.

[TheCow5 @ Jan 10th 2008 11:17AM]

MS does need to have a bigger foot print in the hardware market and this would be a perfect first step.

[applefreak @ Jan 10th 2008 11:18AM]

I hope not

[matteorampazzi @ Jan 10th 2008 11:27AM]

I am Swiss. And I am a Mac owner. Need I say more?
I really don't want MS to buy Logitech!
What is all this "purchase frenzy"? Logitech makes superior peripherals, they do not need to be purchased by anyone (particularly MS). If they software is admittedly not top level, then they can enter some sort of partnership with Microsoft (but then again, it can be debated if MS makes superior software).

I would, if Logitech becomes a subsidiary of MS, never ever buy another mouse or peripheral by them. The scenario of having a windows logo on the mouse or some Vista specific functions, buttons and drivers scares me a lot.

Logitech also does much better by being independent in the consoles market: they can develop peripherals for all consoles and not be tied to one manufacturer (releasing exclusive stuff just for one console and so on). All in all Logitech is much better off alone. They need, however, to stregthen their software capabilities. But with the money they make, they could hire some smart guys to handle that, instead of selling it all to MS.

Let's hope Logitech stays separate. Otherwise my only option becomes the "mighty mouse"...

[Loonie @ Jan 10th 2008 11:31AM]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!