Walmart has announced its acquisition of Vizio Holding Corp. for $2.3 billion in cash, at $11.50 per share. This move is aimed at enhancing Walmart's connection with customers through innovative television, in-home entertainment, and media experiences. The acquisition will also bolster Walmart's retail business in the U.S. by leveraging Vizio's SmartCast Operating System and advertising solutions.
Vizio, founded in 2002, has a mission to provide immersive entertainment and connected home devices at a great value. With over 18 million active accounts and a 400% growth since 2018, Vizio's SmartCast Operating System has gained significant traction in the market.
Walmart's EVP and chief revenue officer highlighted that Vizio's customer-centric approach will offer attractive viewing experiences at competitive prices. The acquisition is expected to drive innovation and create more value for customers by combining Walmart's retail strength with Vizio's technology.
Walmart Connect, the company's media business, saw a 30% growth in fiscal year 2024, focusing on omnichannel solutions for advertisers. With approximately 240 million customers visiting Walmart's stores and websites weekly, Walmart aims to redefine the intersection of retail and entertainment through this acquisition.
The synergy between Walmart and Vizio is poised to revolutionize the retail and entertainment landscape, providing customers with enhanced experiences and advertisers with new opportunities to engage with a vast audience. Walmart's strong sales performance in the fourth quarter and the promising outlook for the future indicate a positive trajectory for the company following this strategic acquisition.
