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14 Jul 2020
Garmin acquires Firstbeat as it looks to increase foothold on fitness watch market
BY
Tom Walker
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Firstbeat already powers most of Garmin's advanced fitness algorithms
photo: Garmin
Garmin has acquired Firstbeat Analytics, provider of physiological analytics and metrics for consumer devices in the wellness, fitness and sports markets. The firm – the consumer licensing business formerly a part of Firstbeat Technologies – already powers most of Garmin's advanced fitness algorithms.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not released.
“Having utilised Firstbeat’s innovative analytics across our product lines for more than a decade, we are excited to have the Firstbeat Analytics associates join the Garmin team, establishing us at the forefront of physiological analytics,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO.
“Together with their team of physiologists, scientists and engineers, we look forward to providing Garmin customers with unmatched technology for greater performance, recovery and overall health.”
The deal is seen as significant, as Firstbeat Analytics also provides tech solutions for other companies – including Garmin's rivals.
Firstbeat's software analyzes physiological data and provides users with metrics in the areas of stress, sleep, VO2 max, training status, training effect, respiration rate, and calories burned.
In 2018, Firstbeat upgraded its Lifestyle Assessment coaching tool to include a feature that measures users overall fitness. Called Fitness Level, the feature is a fitness test that is designed to offer an accurate assessment of the user's fitness based on 30-minutes of moderately-paced walking.
“We have enjoyed a strong collaboration with Garmin over the years, and we look forward to continuing to work together to bring the most advanced and accurate health and performance data to our customers," said Aki Pulkkinen, co-founder of Firstbeat.
Firstbeat Analytics is headquartered in Jyvaskyla, Finland, and will remain operating at its current facility.
Garmin is considered as one of the "big four" in the fitness and smartwatch market, alongside FitBit, Apple and Samsung.
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