GoPro agreed to merge with Starman Optical in a deal valued at about USD 285 million. It is giving the struggling action-camera maker a path to clear its outstanding debt.
Under the agreement, GoPro shareholders will receive USD 1.14 per share. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
GoPro faced severe financial pressure in recent months. Its stock fell sharply and the company faced the risk of being delisted from Nasdaq. It also cut a significant portion of its workforce.
Chief Executive Nick Woodman previously loaned GoPro USD 20 million to support the company's operations. The merger now offers a broader route for the company to strengthen its financial position.
Starman Optical was founded in 2024 and manufactures optical transceivers used for fiber-optic data transmission. The US-based company appears interested in GoPro's technology assets and intellectual property.
GoPro's portfolio includes about 2,500 patents. The merger announcement highlights advanced optics and imaging as important technologies for artificial intelligence, national security and the wider economy.
The deal comes less than a day after YouTuber Markiplier disclosed a USD 9.3 million investment in GoPro. The purchase gave him an 8.5% stake in the company.
GoPro shares were trading near USD 1.50 before trading was halted following the merger announcement. There is no evidence linking Markiplier's investment to the merger.
For consumers, GoPro says it will continue supporting its existing cameras, subscription services and cloud platform. The company also plans to expand into consumer, commercial and defense markets.
GoPro products continue to be sold across the Middle East. The HERO13 Black is priced around AED 1,649 to AED 1,679 in the UAE and about SAR 1,799 in Saudi Arabia.
Mission 1 models have yet to receive broad listings from major retailers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Regional availability and pricing could become clearer after the merger receives the required approvals.
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