Popular Transponder Provider MyLaps Acquired By Garmin
Yesterday, Garmin Ltd, maker of the popular Driving Performance Optimizer, the Garmin Catalyst, announced it was acquiring transponder and timing maker MyLaps in a deal where financial terms were not immediately disclosed.
“We are excited to bring MYLAPS and their trusted timing technologies into the Garmin family and believe the combination will transform the competitive experience for our passionate customers. Together, we look forward to setting a new standard for performance-focused training and race-day technology.”
-Brad Trenkle, Garmin Co-Chief Operating Officer
MyLaps is well known in racing circles as one of the most popular providers of transponders. Many popular racing series use MyLaps based systems for timing, and team owners are likely very familiar with their transponders and subscriptions.
MyLaps products are not exclusive to car racing. MyLaps has presented itself as a sports timing and live performance company for a number of years. It’s a product adopted not just by car racers, but also by motorcycle racers, runners, and many more.
Garmin, while most well known for their GPS devices, has been moving into other forms of timed or measured consumer products. More recently, they have released a line of popular fitness trackers and smartwatches.
For car and track enthusiasts though, Garmin is most well known for it’s Catalyst product. Described as a “performance driving optimizer”, the Catalyst features real time lap timers, including deltas to session best laps, video recording, and coaching capabilities. All of which are designed to help make you a better driver on the track. The Garmin Catalyst is popular with amateur racers and track day enthusiasts throughout the US.
While no specific details about how companies will integrate, it’s not hard to see that between fitness and runner tracking and motorsports, MyLaps and Garmin have some overlap. However, racers have already bemoaned MyLaps movement towards a subscription based model vs. one time fee model. With Garmin’s acquisition, which itself strives for subscription revenues, it’s unlikely we’ll see the end of subscriptions.
About Garmin
Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan , and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks, and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Image courtesy of MyLaps and Garmin.
