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The Chinese company had already announced its intention to enter the US market with the 120" 4K HDR TV ahead of CES this winter, Vizio promoting a similar or the same unit at CES. The online portal and entertainment business turned device vendor, mainly smart phones but also TVs initially using the LeTV brand, recently rebranded to LeEco.
In its own words LeEco is 'a leading global technology company that provides breakthrough experiences through its open, integrated ecosystem of streaming content, platforms, and smart devices that fit perfectly into a broad spectrum of lifestyles. LeEco opens new opportunities for consumers by offering a wide array of next-generation connected products – including smartphones, TVs, bikes and cars – and content spanning sports, film and live entertainment'.
So online services to sell hardware and hardware to sell content. Starting in 2004 with a streaming service. LeEco co-financed and distributed the The Expendables 2 movie. Its streaming services have 53 million unique viewers on a daily basis.
An online company, the Vizio acquisition provides LeEco with a retailpresence and organisation.
LeEco and VIZIO, Inc. announced today a definitive agreement under which LeEco would acquire VIZIO, Inc. for $2 billion USD. With a potential of another $2.25 Billion to be paid out if certain performance criteria are met over the first three years. The VIZIO hardware and software businesses will be owned and operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of LeEco, while the VIZIO data business, Inscape, will spin out and operate as a separate, privately owned company. LeCo will hold a 49% share in the seperate Inscape, that will be led by Vizio founder and CEO William Wang. LeEco will license the Inscape datacollection and analysis service for the next decade. Inscape uses Vizio TVs to collect user and usage data.
It also opened a large US Head Quarters in San Jose California in the heart of Silicon Valley, in April, shelling out a further $250 million for 50 acres of land from Yahoo, in June. Backed electric car start up Faraday Future just started building a plant near Las Vegas.
Recently named one of Fast Company's 2016 "Most Innovative Companies," LeEco is a leading global company that provides breakthrough experiences through an open, integrated ecosystem enabled by its Internet and cloud platform. LeEco develops intelligent hardware that serves as the interface to connect individuals, interact with them and to enrich their lives through premium content and applications.
"LeEco believes in breakthrough technologies, a complete ecosystem and disruptive pricing. Acquiring VIZIO is an important step in our globalization strategy and building our North American presence," said YT Jia, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, LeEco. "From its inception, VIZIO introduced a disruptive business model that changed the industry and aligns with our vision of breaking boundaries to deliver consumer-focused products, software and services."
Based in Irvine, CA and founded in 2002, VIZIO is a leading consumer electronics brand in North America, with #1 unit share in Smart TVs1 and #1 unit share in Sound Bars2. Samsung being the biggest seller of TVs in North America, reflecting the higher value per unit Samsung TVs command. The company is focused on delivering the ultimate home entertainment experience through its ecosystem of hardware, software and services. The acquisition benefits both companies with VIZIO offering LeEco a steady install base of users and a brand that is both popular and successfully distributed throughout major North American retail channels. LeEco provides VIZIO immediate global scale to bring its innovations to consumers worldwide. Like LeEco, VIZIO shares a similar vision of creating premium products with the latest innovations and making them accessible for everyone – from budget-minded students to custom home theater cinephiles – without sacrificing quality or performance.
"Fourteen years ago, I mortgaged my house to start VIZIO and since then, it has grown into one of the most well-known and respected CE brands in North America. As an entrepreneur, I couldn't be more proud of what has been accomplished," said William Wang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, VIZIO. "As we enter a new chapter with LeEco, I'm humbled by the hard work and dedication of VIZIO shareholders and employees. Their unwavering faith in the brand and commitment to excellence is what made this venture possible. I'm excited to see how LeEco's global reach and resources will elevate VIZIO as we continue to bring great technology, innovation and value to our consumers."
The VIZIO executive management team will remain in place and will continue its operations as an independent subsidiary from its existing headquarters in Irvine, CA. The VIZIO brand and its portfolio of products will continue to be sold through its existing distribution channels and supported by the same North American-based, award-winning customer service. William Wang will transition to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Inscape, with focus on the continued expansion and growth of the brand's data business.
As part of the definitive agreement, LeEco will acquire all of the VIZIO hardware and software operations, technology and intellectual property. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2016, and is subject to customary closing conditions.