News
XtremeMac acquired by Imation
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Monday, June 30, 2008
News Category: iPod Accessories
Imation Corp., which develops, manufactures, and sells various electronic iPod and iPhone accessories under the Memorex brand, today announced its acquisition of Xtreme Accessories (XtremeMac) for a purchase price of $9 million. XtremeMac was one of the earliest developers of iPod accessories, but appeared to have struggled in recent months with iPhone compatibility, substantial release delays, and uncertainty as to whether prior products would come back into stock.
Commenting on the transaction, Frank Russomanno, Imation’s President and Chief Executive Officer said: “With the acquisition of XtremeMac, Imation has added a brand recognized and respected by Apple enthusiasts and one that enhances our portfolio of products serving the growing market for consumer electronics related accessories.”
Gary Bart, founder and President of XtremeMac, will join Imation as Executive Director, guiding the company’s Apple accessory design efforts. It is unclear how the acquisition will impact currently delayed XtremeMac products, such as the Luna X2 clock radio, and whether the company’s name will continue to appear on future products.
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1
it’s funny how bitterness can be long lasting in consumer products. i still don’t trust Memorex on account of their lousy cassettes which would warble and break within weeks of putting the hours and hours of work into making the perfect mix.
hopefully this acquisition is for the best for both companies.
Posted by mike in boston or toronto on June 30, 2008 at 7:23 AM (PDT)
2
I too wonder what this acquisition will mean for the XtremeMac line, specifically the iPhone compatible Luna which I had been looking forward to seeing. Maybe it will finally get produced or it will be converted into a low quality Memorex model!
Posted by TosaDeac on June 30, 2008 at 1:16 PM (PDT)
3
Sad to hear that really. I really like some of the Extrememac line.
Especially since I’m a Gen 1 Luna owner. I hope they don’t ruin it.
Posted by aawil on June 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM (PDT)
4
Huh. Now maybe they’ll actually respond to customer service phone calls and emails. It’ll be a first when dealing with XtremeMac, as I STILL haven’t gotten a response to scores of emails and phone calls sent to them about getting a replacement TuffShield for my iPod touch…it could happen!
...but I doubt it. We’ll just have to see, I guess.
Posted by Daniel S. on July 1, 2008 at 4:21 AM (PDT)
5
>Daniel S.: Don’t hold your breath.
A friend who worked with the company tells a story about this overheard exchange:
Employee: Maybe we should send customers this 7¢ replacement part for free to earn some good will.
VP: #### ‘em.
Posted by constantine_rhymes_w/whine on July 29, 2008 at 1:24 PM (PDT)