GoPro to Merge With Starman Optical in $285 Million Deal

GoPro ($GPRO) agreed to merge with privately held Starman Optical in a deal providing shareholders $285 million in cash, or approximately $1.14 per share, while leaving them with roughly 10% ownership of the combined company. GoPro will remain publicly listed on Nasdaq as the combined business expands into AI data center infrastructure, defense and aerospace markets.

• The $1.14-per-share cash consideration represents a 29.5% premium to GoPro's last closing price.
• GoPro's approximately $92 million of outstanding debt will be repaid at closing, leaving the combined company substantially debt-free.
• Starman's U.S.-made optical transceivers will be added to GoPro's portfolio, targeting AI data centers alongside government, defense and aerospace markets.
• GoPro will continue supporting its cameras, subscription service and cloud platform.
• The transaction is expected to close by year-end 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
• GoPro shares had surged 78% to $1.56 Tuesday morning after an SEC filing disclosed that YouTuber Markiplier, legally Mark Edward Fischbach, beneficially owns 13.5 million shares, or 8.5% of GoPro.

Relevant Companies

• GoPro ($GPRO) - Shareholders would receive cash while retaining approximately 10% ownership of the combined publicly traded company.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.