Bose acquires Skullcandy, targets younger buyers

On Wednesday, Bose announced it had bought Skullcandy from a fund managed by Mill Road Capital. The acquisition adds the skate‑and‑snow brand to Bose’s Premium Consumer Audio group while keeping Skullcandy’s independent identity. The company’s headquarters in Park City, Utah will remain unchanged. The deal gives Skullcandy access to Bose’s technology and worldwide distribution channels.

Existing product collaborations

Skullcandy and Bose have already collaborated on products that carry the Sound by Bose label. The Method 360 ANC earbuds, which began the partnership, use Bose drivers tuned for Skullcandy’s bassier sound. The Crusher 1080 ANC headphones, which launched in July, pack Bose’s QuietControl noise cancellation and TrueSpatial head tracking, along with Skullcandy’s adjustable sensory bass.

Bose said Skullcandy’s roots in board sports open new ways to reach consumers where it has less presence today, and that the brand also has a following in music, gaming and fitness. Bose CEO Lila Snyder said Skullcandy gives the company access to a customer base it is largely missing with the Bose brand. Bose is better known for pricey noise‑canceling headphones such as the QuietComfort Ultra.

The deal follows other recent Bose acquisitions, including McIntosh Group, StreamUnlimited Engineering in June and Firelight Technologies in October. Skullcandy is the fourth company Bose has bought since November 2024. Snyder credited the company's private ownership, saying it gives Bose “the freedom to make bold, long‑term investments.”

Bose plans to invest in growing the Skullcandy brand and keep its identity, with the brand staying in Park City. Neither company has announced new products from the deal, and the price has not been disclosed.