Apple to Acquire Beats Music and Beats Electronics

Apple has announced that it has agreed to acquire the subscription streaming music service Beats Music, and Beats Electronics, which makes the Beats headphones, speakers and audio software.

As part of the acquisition, Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre will join Apple.

Apple is acquiring the two companies for a total of $3 billion, consisting of a purchase price of approximately $2.6 billion and approximately $400 million that will vest over time.

“Music is such an important part of all of our lives and holds a special place within our hearts at Apple,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “That’s why we have kept investing in music and are bringing together these extraordinary teams so we can continue to create the most innovative music products and services in the world.”

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“I’ve always known in my heart that Beats belonged with Apple,” said Jimmy Iovine. “The idea when we started the company was inspired by Apple’s unmatched ability to marry culture and technology. Apple’s deep commitment to music fans, artists, songwriters and the music industry is something special.”

Subject to regulatory approvals, Apple expects the transaction to close in fiscal Q4.