Cisco’s Linksys division is growing today as the networking giant announced they would be acquiring KiSS Technology A/S of Horsholm, Denmark. KiSS is known for networked entertainment devices and has products which include networked DVD players and networked DVRs.
The acquisition, Cisco said, will cost them approximately $61 million in cash and stock. Once the buyout is completed, which Cisco expects sometime early next year, the KiSS team will be integrated into the Linksys division. Their product line will continue to be sold in Europe with eventual plans to expand it to other world markets.
“As more and more entertainment content is delivered over the Internet and as consumers demand access to digital entertainment inside and outside of their home networks, networked entertainment devices will become an integral part of Consumer Electronics,” said Charles Giancarlo, Cisco Chief Technology Officer and Cisco-Linksys president. “KiSS has emerged as a leader in networked video and audio products in Europe and we hope to use that expertise to expand worldwide.”