Stratasys buys MakerBot for $400m
In a move expected to drive faster adoption of desktop 3D printing, Stratasys has agreed to buy MakerBot for around $400million.
Founded in 2009, MakerBot has sold more than 22,000 3D printers since 2009. In the last nine months, the MakerBot Replicator 2 desktop 3D printer, pictured, accounted for 11,000 of those sales.
"The last few years have been incredibly inspiring and exciting for us," said MakerBot's ceo Bre Pettis. "We have an aggressive model for growth, and partnering with Stratasys will allow us to supercharge our mission to empower individuals to make things using a MakerBot, and allow us to bring 3D technology to more people."
Once the transaction is complete, the plan is for MarkBot to continue to operate as a separate subsidiary within Stratasys with its own brand and management.
David Reis, Stratasys' ceo, commented: "Pettis and his team have built the strongest brand in the desktop 3D printer category by delivering an exceptional user experience. MakerBot has impressive products, and we believe that the company's strategy of making 3D printing accessible and affordable will continue to drive adoption."
