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Basis Science, the maker of the Basis Band fitness gadget, could soon get snapped up by a major mobile player for less than $100 million, according to TechCrunch.
Basis has been shopping itself around for the past couple of weeks, talking with Apple and Google about a potential acquisition, according to the report. Microsoft and Samsung are also reported to be possible buyers of the company, which the report said could be purchased for “sub-hundred million.”
Basis and Microsoft declined to comment on the report. CNET has also contacted the other companies for comment and will update this report when we learn more.
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The company’s $199 wrist-worn tracker — while roughly $75 to $100 more than competitors like the Fitbit Flex and Nike FuelBand — stands out in the crowded and hotly contested space. It contains a consistent heart-rate monitor built into the back of the band, a workout intensity monitor that tracks perspiration, and a skin temperature reader that helps flesh out data on how hard you exert yourself throughout the day. That’s all on top of the standard sleep and step-tracking functionality built into the watch-like device.
Such an acquisition would give a significant boost to Apple, which is said to have fitness product ambitions. The company recently posted — and deleted — a job posting for a “User Studies Exercise Physiologist.” According to the ad, Apple seeks candidates who are knowledgeable about cardiovascular fitness and can put that knowledge toward product design.
Reports that Basis might be on the market come just months after the San Francisco startup raised $11.75 million in additional funding to close out its Series B round at a total of $23 million, with Intel Capital coming on board alongside Stanford University, iNovia Capital, and other new investors. To date, the company has raised more than $32 million.
