It was formally announced that American gaming equipment giant Corsair would, at long last, purchase sim racing peripheral manufacturer Fanatec on Friday 13th September – and now Corsair has issued a formal acknowledgement.
When we say it ‘purchased Fanatec’, it was already custodian to the brand, but now it is set to purchase its parent company Endor AG and the remaining assets. Existing shareholders are not expected to receive remuneration.
While its plans for the storied outfit are not yet clear, at the very least, it is aiming to make changes to the distribution and customer service process.
Increased distrubution
“Corsair plans to make significant investments in the Fanatec brand, its products, and increasing worldwide availability through our channels
Presently, its Elgato and SCUF products, for example, can be purchased through third-party outlets such as Amazon, alongside several of Corsair’s PC gaming accessories.
In the UK, Corsair components can be purchased through the likes of ‘PCSpecialist’, or in the US, directly.
Presently, Fanatec’s website is its primary sales avenue, although third-party retailers such as Sim Demon and Digital-Motorsport do hold stock.
Continued warranties and software updates
According to the Fremont-headquartered outfit, those already with Fanatec equipment should be covered still under warranty.
“All current and future Fanatec customers will benefit from the world-class support from Corsair, including warranty and software updates going forward,” it claims.
Whether that means a change of team, or support centre, is not yet confirmed. Landshut, Germany, will remain its base.
“Corsair and Fanatec share the immediate goal of ensuring prompt delivery of all orders during this transition of ownership and maintaining customer support and satisfaction,” it concluded.
“We have long admired the Fanatec brand and are excited to bring these incredible products to an even wider audience,” said Corsair CEO Andy Paul.
“We are fully committed to further develop and expand Fanatec’s product lines, improving customer service, and embracing the needs of the Sim Racing community.”
Following the acquisition news, a Fanatec presence at the upcoming ADAC SimRacing Expo has been confirmed.