Profile: Plantronics, Inc. (PLT)

Plantronics, Inc. (Plantronics), incorporated in 1961, is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and marketer of lightweight communications headsets, telephone headset systems, and accessories for the business and consumer markets under the Plantronics brand. The Company is also a manufacturer and marketer of docking audio products, computer and home entertainment sound systems, and a line of headphones for personal digital media under the Altec Lansing brand. In addition, it manufactures and markets under its Clarity brand specialty telephone products, such as telephones for the hearing impaired, and other related products for people with special communication needs. Plantronics ships a range of communications products to over 80 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, retailers, wireless carriers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and telephony service providers. The Company has developed distribution channels in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, where use of its products is widespread. As of March 28, 2009, its business was organized into two segments: the Audio Communications Group (ACG) and the Audio Entertainment Group (AEG). In December 2009, the Company announced its sale of Altec Lansing, the AEG segment, to an affiliate of Prophet Equity LP.

Audio Communications Group (ACG)

The Company’s ACG segment is its core business and is engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of headsets for business and consumer applications, and other specialty products. Plantronics makes headsets for use in office and contact centers, with mobile and cordless phones, and with computers and gaming consoles. The Company applies a variety of technologies to develop products to meet the needs of its customers, whether it is for communications or personal entertainment. Plantronics headsets are used with cell phones, in contact centers, in the office, in the home, for computer applications, such as voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP), for gaming, and other specialty applications. Major product categories include Office and Contact Center, which includes corded and cordless communication headsets, audio processors and telephone systems; Mobile, which includes Bluetooth and corded products for mobile phone applications; Gaming and Computer Audio, which includes personal computers (PC) and gaming headsets, and Clarity, which includes specialty products marketed for hearing impaired individuals. Products developed and managed by ACG are included in this segment and sold under the Plantronics and Clarity brands.

Audio Entertainment Group (AEG)

As of March 28, 2009, Plantronics’ AEG segment was engaged in the design, manufacture, sales and marketing of audio solutions and related technologies. AEG segment offered docking audio products, computer and digital audio systems, headphones and microphones for personal digital media, and digital radio frequency audio systems.

The Company competes with GN Great Nordic Ltd., Nokia, Motorola, Sony, Logitech, Aliph, Sennheiser Communications, Samsung, Apple.