Vivo, a major player in the telecommunications market, announced on March 19, 2025, that it has acquired i2GO, a well-regarded manufacturer of cell phone and electronic accessories. This acquisition is set to enhance Vivo's offerings across its nearly 2,000 retail locations. The acquisition could total R$ 80 million, contingent on the achievement of specific operational targets established with i2GO's founders, who will remain at the helm as executives of Vivo.
Founded 12 years ago, i2GO has become a prominent name in Brazil, especially known for its cost-effective electronic products. The brand's founders, Marcelo Castro and Daniel Doho, have established valuable relationships in China, allowing i2GO to import a significant portion of its products from there, including cell phone cables, chargers, headphones, speakers, monitoring cameras, and smart home devices such as lamps.
In addition to the advantages that i2GO’s import partnerships provide, this acquisition stands to complement Vivo's existing line of accessories, particularly OVVI, the company’s brand of phone cases and accessories that rakes in approximately R$ 60 million annually. Meanwhile, i2GO itself generates about R$ 65 million in revenue, further bolstering Vivo's market position. Ricardo Hobbs, Vivo’s VP of strategy and new business, highlighted the synergies between the two brands, illustrating that while OVVI caters to a premium lifestyle market, i2GO appeals to the mass market with its accessible pricing.
“It’s a very significant move for enhancing the relevance of Vivo’s points of sale,” Hobbs was quoted saying. “We have a vision of transforming Vivo’s stores into a technology destination for Brazilians, not just for smartphones, but also for giftable items such as chargers, cases, and electronics.”
Vivo has taken aggressive steps to renovate over 50 stores recently to adopt this new concept, aiming to create a more engaging shopping experience. Although Vivo did not disclose its projected revenue growth stemming from the i2GO acquisition, Hobbs mentioned that the company’s electronics vertical, which includes OVVI and partner product sales, has consistently experienced double-digit growth. “This will certainly accelerate in the upcoming quarters,” he predicted.
The acquisition of i2GO forms part of Vivo’s broader strategy to establish a diverse digital ecosystem beyond its traditional telecommunications services. In addition to its growing accessories and electronics segment, Vivo is also making strides into the fintech space, expanding into education and health sectors, and has even set up a joint venture with Auren in the energy sector. With these strategic moves, Vivo is positioning itself to be a multifaceted player not just in telecommunications, but across various industries.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, industry experts will be watching closely how this acquisition plays out and the impact it will have on both Vivo's market presence and the overall competitive landscape in Brazil's electronics space. The sector is known for rapid change and innovation, and with Vivo's enhanced product offerings and store experiences, consumers are in for an exciting evolution in their shopping options.
In summary, Vivo's acquisition of i2GO not only strengthens its market position but also illustrates a commitment to diversifying its offerings. By integrating i2GO's product lines and leveraging its existing retail footprint, Vivo is set to redefine the shopping experience for its customers while navigating an ever-expanding array of technological solutions.
