Walmart in talks to acquire Vizio for over $2 billion

• Walmart in talks to buy Vizio.

• Deal worth more than $2 billion.

• Reported by the WSJ.

Walmart's logo is seen outside one of the stores in Chicago

Reuters

Walmart, the multinational retail corporation, is currently engaged in discussions regarding the potential acquisition of Vizio, a leading American consumer electronics company. With a reported offer of over $2 billion, this move could mark a significant step forward for Walmart's foray into the electronics market.

According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the talks between Walmart and Vizio have been ongoing for several weeks. The anticipated deal could provide Walmart with a substantial boost in expanding its presence in the consumer electronics space, particularly in smart TVs and related products.

Vizio, a California-based company founded in 2002, has built a strong reputation for its high-quality, budget-friendly televisions. It quickly gained popularity among consumers and became a go-to brand for affordable technology solutions. Acquiring Vizio would allow Walmart to tap into the company's extensive customer base and gain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving electronics industry.

The potential purchase aligns with Walmart's strategic efforts to diversify its product offerings and strengthen its online presence to compete with e-commerce giants like Amazon. In recent years, Walmart has made significant investments in expanding its e-commerce capabilities, such as acquiring online marketplace Jet.com in 2016. This move to acquire Vizio is another step towards improving its online selection and market position.

If the acquisition goes through, Walmart will gain not only Vizio's wide range of television products but also its advanced technology and smart home solutions. This includes Vizio's SmartCast platform, which enables users to stream content seamlessly from various online platforms.

Industry analysts believe that the potential deal would benefit both parties involved. Walmart would gain a well-established brand and a wide range of popular products, while Vizio would benefit from Walmart's distribution network and extensive customer reach. Vizio's affordability and quality, combined with Walmart's ability to offer competitive prices, could create a winning combination in the consumer electronics market.

It is worth mentioning that while discussions are ongoing, there is no guarantee that the deal will be finalized. Both Walmart and Vizio have declined to comment on the matter, emphasizing that any potential agreements would be subject to regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of customary closing conditions.

If the acquisition materializes, it would mark a significant milestone for Walmart and solidify its position as a formidable player in the electronics industry. In the competitive arena of consumer electronics, this move could give Walmart a competitive advantage and further propel its mission to provide customers with a vast array of products at affordable prices.