Microsoft to Gobble up Logitech? Good or Bad?

Posted by Chris Leckness on 01/10/08

Luigi dropped me a line pointing to an article at PC Pro where they talk about a Microsoft targeting Logitech for a takeover.

Speculation is circulating that Microsoft is planning a takeover bid for peripheral maker Logitech.
The software giant is reportedly considering a bid worth just over $9 billion for Logitech, which is currently valued at around $6.3 billion.

This would mean that Microsoft would become the hands down leader of computer accessories. Is this a good thing. As much as I love Microsoft's products, I don't really think this would be. Logitech makes some impressive products and lots of them. Would Microsoft hinder the progress at Logitech? Doesn't competition breed excellence? If Logitech is under the Microsoft Umbrella, who does that leave? Just Belkin?

Even if I don't think it would be overall great, It would be huge for Microsoft and Logitech investors. In fact, this rumor alone pushed Logitech stock up 12% already.

Buying Logitech would make Microsoft the world's largest maker of computer mice and give it a significant presence in the speaker and gaming hardware markets, potentially tying in with its Zune music players and Xbox games console.

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7 Responses for "Microsoft to Gobble up Logitech? Good or Bad?"

edge0 January 10th, 2008 at 10:42 am 1
I’ve been thinking about what you wrote Chris, and you are probably right. Unfortunately, a lot of the time what’s good for business [in terms of those who would profit from purchasing another company], is not always good for the consumer. There are times when something like that can backfire on the company as well.
kaseyart January 10th, 2008 at 11:15 am 2
Chris I would have to agree. I like what you said: "Doesn’t competition breed excellence?" I totally agree.Â That is why I like having a choice in games systems and mp3 players and such.Â If one company made the one and only of each I don’t think we would be as far in some technology as we are.
Heatwave316 January 10th, 2008 at 11:36 am 3
I see this as maybe MS trying to get more Zune and Xbox products to the market. iPod stuff is everywhere, so having a bigger selection of accessories might help out Zune sales.

Trust me, I agree with the part about competion. I always want lots of quality choices.
azaas January 11th, 2008 at 12:41 pm 4
This is the worst thing that could happen in my opinion.While writing this i haven’t read your opinion on that Chris [and i surely will check it later] cause i felt shocked by the news.
Why the heck did this have to happen??Logitech has been the best company when it comes to computer accessories both for everyday users and power users as well.I really don’t want to see microsoft bending over their work.They may decide to mess with Logi’s hardware [amazing] although Logitech could use some help with its software.Also has anyone thought about what compatibility issues this could cause to the consumers?Devices working with XP not working with vista [Happened with my scanner,don't wanna see it happen with my mouse as well]

ps: i read your opinion : "Doesn’t competition breed excellence" THANK YOU!!!! Sure it does man,sure it does!
Adam Ross January 12th, 2008 at 9:32 pm 5
ok personally i think when microsoft gets involved things usually dont turn out well. At least on accessories and stuff like that. but i dont know logitech makes a lot of stuff. Good for microsoft, bad for the rest of us.
azaas January 13th, 2008 at 3:42 am 6
@AdamRoss : Just because i feel stupid now man can you plz tell me which other companies MS has taken over??I absolutelly am stuck right now and i seem unable to remember any case….:(
Now about things not going to turn out well….well if they even think about touching Logitech’s hardware then it’s for sure that we’ll be having problems.If they decide to stick to messing with the software then i’m sure things will go just fine Let’s just wait and see what happens,but i REALLY can’t see how they’ll take over Logi in the first place.I mean i did not know that they were for sale so….anyway let’s wait and see what happens.
adamross55 January 13th, 2008 at 1:49 pm 7
azaas: well microsoft has taken over numerous software companies but i dont think many or any hardware companies. For example Groove Networks and winternals. But now i feel stupid. but you are right.