GoPro는 비공개 광자학 기업 Starman Optical과 확정적 합병 계약을 체결하여 재

GoPro, Inc. and Starman Optical, Inc. announced a definitive merger agreement on September 1, 2026, designed to recapitalize GoPro and reposition it for expansion into artificial intelligence data centers, government, defense, and aerospace sectors. Under the terms of the transaction, GoPro shareholders will receive an aggregate cash payment of $285 million, or $1.14 per share, which is subject to potential adjustment based on net working capital at closing. Following the deal, shareholders will maintain ownership of approximately 10 percent of the outstanding shares, and GoPro will remain a publicly listed company on Nasdaq. The company plans to use proceeds to fully repay its outstanding debt of approximately $92 million, resulting in a substantially debt-free balance sheet.

Over the past 24 years, GoPro has built an intellectual property portfolio of more than 2500 U.S. patents alongside industry-leading imaging solutions and advanced optics. The merger aims to maximize the value of this intellectual property by strengthening the balance sheet, investing in growth, and onshoring manufacturing for strategic markets. Starman’s U.S.-made optical transceivers will be integrated into GoPro’s product lineup, extending the company into the rapidly growing AI infrastructure market. GoPro will continue to support its existing consumer products, subscription services, and cloud platform while pursuing a broader, diversified product roadmap.

Leadership emphasized the strategic alignment of the two companies. Charles Tebele, Chief Executive Officer of Starman Holding, stated, "Advanced optics and imaging are essential to AI, national security, and the broader economy, yet much of the critical hardware supporting these technologies continues to be manufactured overseas," adding that "The combination of GoPro's world-class optical expertise and intellectual property with Starman's advanced transceiver capabilities and U.S. manufacturing platform creates a unique opportunity. Together, we intend to bring production of these critical components back to the United States." Nicholas Woodman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GoPro, commented, "We expect this merger to enable GoPro to grow across consumer, commercial and defense markets as a leading American imaging and optical solutions company, addressing important areas of national security related to cameras, optics and AI infrastructure. We're excited to combine with the Starman team to capitalize on this opportunity and play an important role in America's future."

The transaction has received approval from the boards of directors of both GoPro and Starman. It is expected to close by year-end 2026, pending customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. Houlihan Lokey, Inc. is serving as financial advisor and provided a fairness opinion to GoPro, while Fenwick & West LLP is acting as legal counsel. GoPro plans to provide further details upon closing and will file a proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for shareholder review before the transaction is finalized.