Logitech Acquires SightSpeed for $30M

The Berkeley-based supplier of video conferencing solutions has fallen under Logitech's umbrella, perhaps giving its webcam division a leg up for future development.

Swiss-owned hardware manufacturer Logitech padded out the software side of its operation on Wednesday with the acquisition of SightSpeed, a company that offers video conferencing applications. The company laid out approximately $30 million in cash to seal the deal, which will wrap up after customary closing conditions in November.

“With this acquisition, we are significantly augmenting our current video R&D resources to help us move more quickly toward our goals for video services that complement the way people socialize, communicate and enjoy entertainment,” said Junien Labrousse, executive vice president of Logitech’s Products group, in a statement.

Though Logitech hasn’t spelled out exactly what will use SightSpeed for, the New York Times’ Om Malik speculates Logitech might be trying to distinguish itself by tying its hardware tightly to SightSpeed’s software. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Logitech a standalone videoconferencing product like Asus’ AirGuru SV1, with SightSpeed’s software at the helm.

Based in Berkeley, Calif., SightSpeed employs about 25 people and was founded in 2001.