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Tech Asics Fitness

Asics acquires company behind fitness tracker RunKeeper

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By Jon Brady, Photographer/Reporter

February 12, 2016 | 2 min read

Japanese sports equipment company Asics has bought the company behind fitness tracking app Runkeeper, FitnessKeeper Inc., for an unspecified sum.

Asics logo

Asics logo

The app, which boasts 33m users worldwide, originally launched in 2008 as one of the earliest examples of fitness tracking tech.

It uses a phone or smartwatch’s in-built GPS to map out a user’s running route, the distance covered and their pace.

In a statement published on their corporate website, ASICS said: “[We] reached a decision on this Acquisition as we believe that the integration of ‘Runkeeper’s’ globally recognised brand and worldwide user base with ASICS’ technological competence in manufacturing will lead to continued enhancement of our corporate value.

“With the addition of FitnessKeeper into the ASICS Group, we expect to further support customers’ fun and healthy experiences and lifestyle through sports by providing new contents and cutting edge services utilizing advanced digital technology.

“We aim to fully utilize the resources of both ASICS and FitnessKeeper to provide high value added products, services and contents to even more customers.”

The 100% acquisition of RunKeeper comes as several athletic clothing giants look to capitalise on the fitness tech revolution.

American sports clothing firm UnderArmour spent $700m purchasing calorie counter app MyFitnessPal and sports tracker Endomondo in February 2015, while Adidas acquired Austrian fitness startup Runtastic in August the same year.

Tech Asics Fitness

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