Consumer tech player ZAGG acquires iFrogz for US$104m

27 Jun 2011

Consumer electronics accessories firm ZAGG, which is creating 140 jobs in Shannon, has acquired smartphone cover company iFrogz for US$104m.

iFrogz is a designer and producer of protective cases and audio products, primarily for smartphones and tablet devices. iFrogz has a complete line of the cases and products.

“The acquisition of iFrogz solidifies our position in Ireland and further enhances the commitment ZAGG International has made to the region regarding employment opportunities,” said Brian Packer, MD of ZAGG International.

“Our office in Shannon will be responsible for the European logistics of this new entity as iFrogz staff based in Europe will now be reporting to us,” Packer added.

The addition of these new product lines to complement the existing ZAGG portfolio is exciting for the companies. This will include cases and audio products under the iFrogz brand. In addition to appealing to existing consumers, this deal is anticipated to help ZAGG reach a younger, lifestyle-oriented consumer who is looking for a high-quality product with distinctive styling at an affordable price point.

Global distribution to be managed out of Shannon

It emerged more than a month ago that ZAGG was creating 140 jobs in Shannon through an alliance with an Irish logistics company. ZAGG is replicating its operating model in the US by partnering with CREGG Logistics, which will produce its invisibleSHIELD and ZAGGskins for personal electronic devices and be responsible for distributing the full range of ZAGG products.

CREGG has established a new company to work in partnership with ZAGG International Distribution at Shannon Free Zone, and will create 130 new jobs over two years. As business partner to ZAGG, CREGG Logistics will have sole responsibility for the manufacturing, assembly, packaging and logistics aspects of the new venture.

“This acquisition will further strengthen ZAGG’s position in the marketplace and will have beneficial effects for their Irish operation at Shannon Free Zone,” Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development, said.

“This news, coming so soon after the launch of the company in April this year by Minister (Richard) Bruton, is a major coup for the company and demonstrates their potential for continued growth and expansion. Shannon Development looks forward to continuing to work closely with this dynamic company as they grow their Shannon operation.”

Photo: Edmund Jennings, MD, Cregg Group; Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development; and Richard Bruton, TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com