Acer plans to acquire US-based iGware, a leading cloud technology company, for US$320M plus another US$75M for performance-based earn-out. With the objective of mid- to long-term investment, Acer will leverage iGware’s proven technology to establish its own cloud infrastructure, called Acer Cloud, to serve and benefit Acer customers, and enhance brand value.
iGware, based in Silicon Valley, California, is a leading provider of cloud technology, offering cloud-based device ecosystems, virtual consoles and personal cloud. iGware’s cloud software and infrastructure tools currently enable and support more than 100 million consumer devices worldwide including Nintendo’s Wii, iDS and 3DS, and will support Wii U in the future.
J.T. Wang, Acer Chairman and CEO, said, “iGware offers expertise in cloud technology software design, with services already deployed on large scale and long-term basis. As a mid- to long-term investment objective, the valuable core technology and capabilities will help create uniqueness for the Acer brand, and support a vast number of our users based on open platform.”
Wang continues, “The goal of Acer Cloud is to allow our users enjoy and manage all their ICT devices, contents and resources with ease, by integrating all Acer products including PCs, tablets and smart handheld devices within a safe and secure environment.”
Dr. Wei Yen, Founder and Chairman of iGware said, “This merger will provide a significantly larger platform to further develop and extend our technologies to Acer’s global customers. At the same time, it will allow us to continue working closely with our existing partners and build additional strategic relationships with others.”
Acer regards the development of cloud technology as a major industry trend. In the next 10 years, Acer Cloud is expected to become a key element to create unique differentiation for Acer products.
With iGware’s cloud technology already in use, Acer is confident of a promising future development in Acer Cloud built on open platform. In the foreseeable future, Acer will begin hardware and software design integration, and expects to launch products that leverage Acer Cloud services during 2012.
After the merger, iGware’s legal entity will become Acer Cloud Technology Company, with subsidiaries in Taiwan and China to be set up. Following Acer’s global marketing strategy, Acer will continue to research, and integrate hardware and software for cloud technology innovation to meet the demand of Acer users and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
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