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Logitech

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Logitech International S.A.
Company typePublic (Société anonyme)
Industry
Founded2 October 1981; 43 years ago (1981-10-02) in Apples, Switzerland
Founders
HeadquartersLausanne, Switzerland[1]
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Products
Brands
RevenueIncrease US$5.48 billion[2] (FY2022)
Decrease US$774 million[2] (FY2022)
Decrease US$645 million[2] (FY2022)
Total assetsDecrease US$4.04 billion[2] (FY2022)
Total equityIncrease US$2.40 billion[2] (FY2022)
Number of employees
c. 8,200 (March 2022)[2]
Subsidiaries
Websitewww.logitech.com

Logitech International S.A. (/ˈlɒdʒɪtɛk/ LOJ-i-tek; stylized in all lowercase) is a Swiss company[3][1] and a multinational manufacturer of computer peripherals and software. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland,[1] the company has offices throughout Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, and is one of the world's leading manufacturers of input and interface devices for personal computers (PCs) and other digital products. It is a component of the flagship Swiss Market Index.

The company develops and markets personal peripherals for PC navigation, video communication and collaboration, music and smart homes. This includes products like keyboards, mice, tablet accessories, headphones and headsets, webcams, Bluetooth speakers, universal remotes and more. Its name is derived from logiciel, the French word for software and 'tech'.[4]

History

Logo, used from 1981 to 1988
Logo, used from 1981 to 1988
Logo, used from 1989 to 1997
Logo, used from 1989 to 1997
Logo, used from 1997 to 2015
Logo, used from 1997[5] to 2015
Japanese Logicool logo
Logitech trades as Logicool (ロジクール) in Japan.

Logitech was founded in Apples, Vaud, Switzerland, in 1981, by Daniel "Bobo" Borel, Pierluigi Zappacosta, and former Olivetti engineer Giacomo Marini. Swiss-born Borel and Italian-born Zappacosta had met in California while taking electrical engineering classes in the late 1970s at Stanford University, under professors such as Ethernet inventor Robert Metcalfe.[6] Returning to Europe, they began working on new ideas near Romanel-sur-Morges, Switzerland, and they brought in the Italian engineer Marini to round out the new company. Borel served as chairman of the board, focused on sales and manufacturing, and he was chief executive officer (CEO) for most of the 1990s. Zappacosta served as president and a period as CEO, and he oversaw research. He left Logitech in 1997 to lead Digital Persona, a biometrics company.[7]

The company founders first concentrated on creating word processing software for a large Swiss company, but the company canceled the project. Next, they turned to the computer mouse as an essential component of the graphical user interface used by a workstation requested by the Japanese company Ricoh. Logitech's first mouse, the P4 model, was produced in 1982 in Switzerland, based on an opto-mechanical design by Swiss inventor Jean-Daniel Nicoud working at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne).[6]

One of Logitech's offices was at 165 University Avenue, Palo Alto, California, US, home to a number of noted technology startups in the birthplace of Silicon Valley.[8] In 1984, Logitech won a contract to supply Hewlett-Packard with computer mice in the role of original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The mice that Logitech supplied to HP were made in a new factory in Fremont, California, and they were branded HP: they did not display the Logitech name. In the early-to-mid-1980s, Logitech stopped making mice in Switzerland, instead opening factories in Cork, Ireland, and Hsinchu, Taiwan, in addition to the Fremont location.[9]

Logitech created the first wireless mouse in 1984, using infrared (IR) light to connect to the Metaphor Computer Systems workstation developed by David Liddle and Donald Massaro, former Xerox PARC engineers. The Metaphor's keyboard was also IR wireless. The consumer IR connection scheme required a clear line of sight for data transfer, and did not work well on a cluttered desk. The wireless mouse did not gain widespread adoption until 1991 when Logitech introduced the first mouse based on a radio frequency connection, not limited to line-of-sight.[10]

In 1985, Swiss inventor René Sommer developed microprocessor circuitry for the wired mouse, making it more responsive to human movement. Logitech incorporated a Sommer-style CMOS microprocessor in their first retail mouse product, the rectangular three-button serial C7 product released in 1985, selling for $99 (equivalent to $280 in 2023). The next wired mouse model, the S9 released in 1989, was curved to fit the human hand, and it carried the Logitech logo for the first time.[11]

In 1988, Logitech incorporated as Logitech International SA with an initial public offering (IPO) on the Zürich stock exchange. In 1989, Logitech produced its first trackball product, the TrackMan. Also in 1989, the company was nominated for PC Mag's Technical Excellence Award for the patented development tool Multiscope Debugger. The application was written for OS/2, followed by versions for the DOS and Windows 3.0 operating systems. Logitech won the award in January 1990.[12]

Logitech re-organized their manufacturing in 1994, shutting down Fremont operations and opening a major facility in Suzhou, China. The Cork, Ireland, location downsized to become an R&D center, and the Hsinchu, Taiwan, factory was kept only for test runs and prototypes.[9] Logitech bought the Connectix webcam division in 1998 for $25 million, then released QuickCam, the first webcam with an integrated microphone. By the year 2000, Logitech was the leader in global sales of webcams, with about four million units sold.[7]

In 2001, Logitech acquired Labtec for $150 million in order to expand its range of computer peripherals.[13]

In 2007, Logitech licensed Hillcrest Labs' Freespace motion control technology to produce the MX Air Mouse, which allows a user to use natural gestures to control a PC.[14][15]

In August 2010, Logitech, and the BlackHawks acquired Ultimate Ears, supplier of custom in-ear monitors for professional musicians and Bluetooth speakers for the consumer market.[16]

In December 2008, Logitech announced that it had manufactured one billion mice since 1985.[17]

In December 2009, Logitech acquired video conferencing equipment maker Lifesize Communications.[18]

In July 2011, Logitech acquired the mobile visual communications provider Mirial.[19]

In January 2013, Bracken Darrell became Logitech's chief executive officer; then-CEO Guerrino De Luca continued as Logitech's chairman of the board.[20]

In January 2016, Logitech spun off the video conferencing equipment maker Lifesize.[21][22]

In April 2016, Logitech agreed to pay US$7.5 million penalty related to accusations that it and some former executives improperly inflated the company's results for its 2011 fiscal year to meet guidance and other accounting violations. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said the alleged accounting issues left investors without an accurate view of the Swiss company's finances.[23]

On 12 April 2016, Logitech announced that they had agreed to acquire Jaybird, a leader in wireless audio wearables for sports and active lifestyles, for US$50 million, with an additional earnout of up to US$45 million based on achievement of growth targets.[24]

On 15 September 2016, Logitech announced that they had purchased the Saitek brand and assets from Mad Catz for US$13 million.[25]

On 25 March 2017, Logitech signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with McLaren as the Official Technology Peripherals Partner.[26] The deal would later be extended to McLaren's eSports endeavours under the Logitech G brand in 2020.[27]

On 11 August 2017, Logitech acquired Astro Gaming, makers of professional gaming equipment (mainly headsets), for US$85 million.[28]

On 25 May 2018, Logitech acquired Beyond Entertainment, an esports live broadcasting and digital media company, for an undisclosed amount.[29]

On 30 July 2018, Logitech announced that they had purchased Blue Microphones for US$117 million.[30]

On 26 September 2019, Logitech acquired Streamlabs, producer of software and tools for live-streaming, for approximately $89 million.[31]

On 29 July 2021, Logitech, in collaboration with choreographer JaQuel Knight, introduced its #Creators4BIPOC initiative under the Logitech For Creators brand. It allows social media creators, particularly BIPOC influencers, to copyright and monetize their online creations by making it possible for choreographers who amplify attention to hits by major artists in the entertainment business to secure copyright of their choreography using Labanotation and earn royalties from it.[32][33]

In June 2023, Bracken Darrell (former CEO) left Logitech and board member Guy Getch took over as interim CEO. [34]

On 18 July 2023, Logitech announced the acquisition of streaming controller maker Loupedeck for an undisclosed sum.[35]

On 30 October 2023, Logitech announced that Hanneke Faber would be taking over as the new CEO beginning December 1, 2023.[36] Faber was previously group President at Unilever.[37]

Production

The first Logitech mice, starting from the P4, were made in Le Lieu, in the Swiss Canton of Vaud[38] by Dubois Dépraz SA.[39]

Production facilities were then established in the United States, Taiwan, Hungary and Ireland before being moved to Suzhou, China. As of 2005, the manufacturing operations in China produce approximately half of Logitech's products. The remaining production is outsourced to contract manufacturers and original design manufacturers in Asia.[40]

Logitech product lines

See also: List of Logitech products
  • Logitech – worldwide (except in Japan, where it is known as Logicool) for PC peripherals, remote controls, security cameras, mice, keyboards, webcams, computer speakers, and accessories for smartphones and tablet keyboards and covers
  • Logitech video collaboration, including all B2B video conferencing equipment
  • Logitech MX – flagship computer accessories (mice and keyboards)
  • Logitech C – computer webcams (cameras)
  • Logitech G – gaming products
  • Ultimate Ears – in-ear monitors, wireless Bluetooth speakers and universal-fit earphones
  • Jaybird – wireless bluetooth sport earbuds
  • Slim Devices – audio brand
  • Saitek – purchased on 15 September 2016, from Mad Catz
  • Logitech Harmony – programmable remote controls
  • Logitech F – wired and wireless gamepads
  • Logi
  • The Logitech P4 (1981) was the world's first commercially available mouse.
    The Logitech P4 (1981) was the world's first commercially available mouse.
  • Logitech's second-generation mouse, the Logimouse (1983)
    Logitech's second-generation mouse, the Logimouse (1983)
  • A transparent version of the C7 mouse (1985), the first serial mouse to draw its supply voltage directly from the serial port
    A transparent version of the C7 mouse (1985), the first serial mouse to draw its supply voltage directly from the serial port
  • Logitech FotoMan, an early digital camera
    Logitech FotoMan, an early digital camera
  • Logitech mice in the Enter Museum (Switzerland)
    Logitech mice in the Enter Museum (Switzerland)
  • A contemporary (2021) Logitech M171 mouse
    A contemporary (2021) Logitech M171 mouse
  • A Logitech M186 Mouse from 2021
    A Logitech M186 Mouse from 2021

References

  1. ^ a b c "FORM 10-K" (PDF). Washington, USA: United states SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. 3 May 2023. p. 3. Founded in 1981, and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Logitech's website address is www.logitech.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Logitech International 2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K)". SEC.gov. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 18 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  3. ^ "About Logitech - Our Story". Lausanne, Switzerland. 2023. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2023. A Swiss company focused on innovation and quality, Logitech designs products and experiences that have an everyday place in people's lives. For more than 40 years, ...
  4. ^ "Full Form of Logitech (Name Origin) ? - FullForms". fullforms.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  5. ^ "Logitech's logo and image over the years" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  6. ^ a b Metcalfe, Bob (9 November 1992). "Reverse Pied Piper of mice has senses working overtime". InfoWorld. Vol. 14, no. 45. ISSN 0199-6649.
  7. ^ a b Phillips, Tim (30 July 2001). "If You Plug It Into a Computer, Logitech Wants to Sell It to You". The New York Times. International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  8. ^ Peter Day, BBC . "165 University Ave: Silicon Valley's 'lucky building' Archived 29 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine." Aug 27, 2010. Retrieved Dec 8, 2016.
  9. ^ a b Verbeke, Alain; Lee, I. H. Ian (2021). International Business Strategy: Rethinking the Foundations of Global Corporate Success. Cambridge University Press. p. 40. ISBN 9781108488037.
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  11. ^ "History of Computer Mouse (1964 ~ 2020)". Gearrate. Archived from the original on 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  12. ^ Neuhaus, Trudy (29 October 1991). "Multiscope Redefines Debugging For Windows and DOS Platforms". PCMag. p. 75. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  13. ^ "Logitech to Acquire Labtec for $125 Million - TheStreet". 7 February 2001. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  14. ^ Techspot 13 July 2007. Logitech's MX Air Mouse with freespace motion control Archived 4 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ Frucci, Adam. "Logitech Buys Ultimate Ears for $34 Million". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  16. ^ By Antony Savvas. "One billion mice from Logitec Archived 7 July 2022 at the Wayback Machine." 3 December 2008. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  17. ^ "Logitech buys LifeSize for $405 million". IT Pro. 11 November 2009. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  18. ^ "Logitech looks to cloud and mobile video meetings". Computerworld. 2011. Archived from the original on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  19. ^ "Logitech selects Bracken Darrell as president right now, next CEO in 2013". Engadget. 19 March 2012. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  20. ^ Sead Fadilpasic, IT Pro Portal. “Lifesize splits from Logitech, continues solo Archived 12 October 2019 at the Wayback Machine.” Date Jan 15, 2016. Accessed Oct 12, 2019.
  21. ^ Heather Clancy, Fortune. “Life After Logitech: Cloud Video Pioneer Sees ‘Torrid’ Growth Archived 17 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine.” Date Jan 21, 2016. Accessed Oct 12, 2019.
  22. ^ Stynes, Tess (19 April 2016). "Logitech Agrees to Pay $7.5 Million Penalty Tied to Accounting Issues". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 26 January 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  23. ^ "Logitech snaps up wireless earbuds maker JayBird for $50M". Tech Crunch. 13 April 2016. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  24. ^ "Logitech buys Saitek from Mad Catz". Games Industry Biz. 16 September 2016. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  25. ^ "McLaren Racing - McLaren-Honda Teams Up with Logitech as Official Technology Peripherals Partner". www.mclaren.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  26. ^ "McLaren Racing - Logitech G and McLaren usher in a new era of racing". www.mclaren.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  27. ^ Chen, Sam (11 July 2017). "Logitech Acquires Astro Gaming for $85 Million Establishing Itself in the Console Gaming Space". Custom PC Review. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  28. ^ "Console-Focused Esports News Site Beyond Entertainment Acquired by Logitech – ARCHIVE - The Esports Observer". 28 May 2018. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  29. ^ "Logitech is acquiring Blue Microphones for $117 million in cash". The Verge. 30 July 2018. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  30. ^ Grubb, Jeff (26 September 2019). "Logitech acquires Streamlabs to get deeper into game broadcasting". Venture Beat. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  31. ^ "Logitech and Visionary Choreographer JaQuel Knight Drive Change For BIPOC Creators Through Copyright Protection and New Film". www.businesswire.com. 29 July 2021. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  32. ^ Perkins, Njera (29 July 2021). "A Year After Creating Megan Thee Stallion's #SavageChallenge, TikToker Keara Wilson Earns Her Copyrights". AfroTech. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  33. ^ "Computer parts maker Logitech appoints Hanneke Faber as CEO". Reuters. 31 October 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  34. ^ Dent, Steve (18 July 2023). "Logitech acquires streaming controller maker Loupedeck". Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  35. ^ "Logitech Appoints Hanneke Faber as Chief Executive Officer". www.businesswire.com. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  36. ^ Jackson, Amber (1 November 2023). "Who is Hanneke Faber, new CEO of Logitech?". technologymagazine.com. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  37. ^ Vetterli, Martin (23 November 2018). "A brief story of innovation". Medium. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  38. ^ "Logitech". oldmouse.com. Archived from the original on 7 February 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  39. ^ "How Logitech Protects Its Manufacturing Secrets in China". Bloomberg.com. 2 October 2013. Archived from the original on 29 April 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
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