Foxconn is best known as an Apple supplier that assembles Apple's devices and supplies components to the Cupertino-based company, but as of today, it's taking over a major Apple accessory maker.

Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT), a Foxconn subsidiary, today announced that it has acquired Belkin International in a deal that's worth $866 million. The acquisition includes the Belkin brand along with Linksys, Wemo, and Phyn, other companies owned by Belkin.

belkinchargingstand

One of Belkin's recently introduced wireless charging accessories

The acquisition will allow Foxconn Interconnect Technology to "further tap into premium accessories and the smart home market." The deal is also expected to expand Belkin's presence both in the United States and "key markets globally."

"FIT is excited to acquire Belkin and its capabilities in the premium consumer products space," said Sidney Lu, CEO, FIT. "Integrating Belkin's best-in-class capabilities and solutions into FIT, we expect to enrich our portfolio of premium consumer products and accelerate our penetration into the smart home."

"This move will accelerate our vision of delivering technology that makes the lives of people around the world better, more convenient and more fulfilling. I am thrilled to take our brand portfolio of Belkin, Linksys, Wemo and Phyn to new heights," said Chet Pipkin, CEO and founder, Belkin International. "We see significant synergies with FIT, including leveraging its world-class manufacturing capability to enhance Belkin's operating efficiency and competitiveness. The transaction also grants us access to more resources to invest in our people and to aggressively pursue opportunities in the marketplace."

Under the Belkin brand, Belkin offers a wide range of iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch cases, cables, adapters, wireless chargers, and more, while the Wemo brand offers HomeKit-compatible home automation devices. Through Linksys, Belkin sells wireless routers and similar accessories, and the Phyn brand offers a smart water assistant for monitoring for leaks.

All of the Belkin-owned brands will continue to operate as subsidiaries under Foxconn Interconnect Technology.

Top Rated Comments

McG2k1 Avatar
87 months ago
Cool! Now I don’t have to actively seek ways to get my router hacked, now it’ll come pre-modified.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shirasaki Avatar
87 months ago
Uh oh, further influence from Chinese company.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JediZenMaster Avatar
87 months ago
I hope the deal falls apart. We don’t need less competition.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
whitedog Avatar
87 months ago
I hope the deal falls apart. We don’t need less competition.
This not a competitive issue. Foxcom doesn't make the kind of products that Belkin sells. Which is the point of the acquisition. At the same time, they will, as the press release says, make additional resources available to Belkin, including parts and scale in manufacturing—and money. Not all acquisitions are evil. Apple acquires stuff all the time to enhance their access to products and expertise.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Analog Kid Avatar
87 months ago
Makes sense. Most of the cost of a Belkin product is in the manufacturing, but most of the profit went to Belkin. Now Foxconn gets the margins.

Uh oh, further influence from Chinese company.
China is the second largest economy in the world-- you should expect to see them turn up everywhere.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PickUrPoison Avatar
87 months ago
I would’ve thought Belkin—who I did not know owned Linksys or Wemo (or Phyne for that matter, but apparently they are very small)—would be worth well over $866 million.

I thought Cisco still owned Linksys, that’s how out of the loop I am lol.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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