Unraveling the Ownership of CORSAIR: A Deep Dive into a Global Brand
Determining the ownership of CORSAIR is not as straightforward as it might initially seem. While the name “Corsair” appears across various industries, it’s crucial to distinguish between them. This article primarily focuses on Corsair Gaming, Inc., the technology company renowned for its high-performance PC components and gaming peripherals. The short answer is: CORSAIR Gaming, Inc. is an American company. It is headquartered in Fremont, California, and incorporated in Delaware. However, the story doesn’t end there. Let’s delve into the complexities surrounding the ownership and origins of different entities using the “Corsair” name.
The American Tech Giant: Corsair Gaming, Inc.
The Corsair most frequently discussed in tech circles is Corsair Gaming, Inc.. This company is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts. Originally incorporated in California in January 1994 as Corsair Microsystems, it later became Corsair Components and Corsair Memory before settling on its current name. In 2007, it reincorporated in Delaware.
Key Points about Corsair Gaming, Inc.
- Country of Origin: USA (American)
- Headquarters: Fremont, California
- Legal Structure: Incorporated in Delaware
- Primary Focus: High-performance PC components, gaming peripherals, and enthusiast memory.
- Subsidiary Brands: Includes Elgato, SCUF Gaming, and ORIGIN PC.
In 2017, EagleTree Capital acquired CORSAIR from Francisco Partners for $525 million, with advisory services from Jones Day. This acquisition solidified Corsair Gaming, Inc. as a major player in the tech industry. The company went public in 2020, trading on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol CRSR. While Corsair Gaming, Inc. designs and markets products worldwide, the majority of its manufacturing occurs in countries like China and Taiwan.
The French Airline: Corsair International
It’s easy to confuse Corsair Gaming, Inc. with Corsair International, a French airline. Despite sharing a name, these are completely separate entities. Corsair International is a French airline headquartered in Rungis, based at Orly Airport. The airline’s history includes names like Corsairfly and Corse Air International.
Key Points about Corsair International
- Country of Origin: France (French)
- Headquarters: Rungis, France
- Base Airport: Paris Orly Airport
- Ownership: A subsidiary of Intro Aviation (53%) and TUI Group (27%), both German investors.
- Primary Focus: Flights to French overseas territories, Africa, and North America.
While Corsair International operates as an independent airline, it is part of the larger German-owned TUI holiday group. This further distinguishes it from its American counterpart, Corsair Gaming, Inc.
The Legendary American Fighter: The F4U Corsair
Another association with the name “Corsair” is the legendary F4U Corsair, an American World War II fighter aircraft. This iconic plane was known for its distinctive inverted gull wings and played a crucial role in both the World War II and the Korean War.
Key Points about the F4U Corsair
- Country of Origin: USA (American)
- Type: Fighter Aircraft
- Historical Significance: Served in WWII and the Korean War, renowned for its combat record.
The F4U Corsair is an important piece of American aviation history but has no connection to the other companies carrying the name.
The Lincoln Corsair: A Product of Global Manufacturing
The name “Corsair” also appears on a vehicle, the Lincoln Corsair, an American-designed luxury SUV. Interestingly, the Lincoln Corsair is also manufactured in China via a joint venture between Changan and Ford.
Key Points about the Lincoln Corsair
- Country of Origin: USA (American Design), China (Manufacturing)
- Manufacturer: Changan-Ford joint venture
- Manufacturing Location: Chongqing, China
- Global Market: Sold in several markets, including China and the United States.
While designed by the American automaker Lincoln, the car’s manufacturing in China demonstrates the increasingly global nature of automotive production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Corsair
To further clarify the complexities surrounding the name “Corsair,” here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Is CORSAIR a Chinese company?
No, Corsair Gaming, Inc. is not a Chinese company. It is an American company headquartered in California and incorporated in Delaware. While some of its products are manufactured in China and Taiwan, it is not owned or controlled by Chinese interests.
2. Who bought CORSAIR?
EagleTree Capital acquired CORSAIR from Francisco Partners in 2017. Jones Day advised EagleTree Capital on the transaction.
3. Which country does CORSAIR Airlines belong to?
Corsair International, the airline, belongs to France. It is based in France and is part of a German-owned travel group (TUI).
4. Is CORSAIR a Japanese company?
No, Corsair Gaming, Inc. and Corsair International are not Japanese companies. Corsair Gaming, Inc. is an American company, and Corsair International is French.
5. Are Corsair products made in China?
Yes, like many tech companies, Corsair Gaming, Inc. manufactures its products in several countries, including China and Taiwan.
6. What brands are owned by Corsair?
Corsair Gaming, Inc. owns Elgato (content creation equipment), SCUF Gaming (custom controllers), and ORIGIN PC (custom gaming PCs).
7. How many Corsair aircraft are still flying?
Of the F4U Corsair aircraft, only 10 to 15 are still flyable in the United States. There are fewer than 30 left in total.
8. Is Corsair part of Air France?
No, Corsair International is not part of Air France. It is a subsidiary of German investors Intro Aviation and TUI Group. It is, however, the second-largest French airline after Air France.
9. What type of plane is a Corsair?
A Corsair is the Vought F4U Corsair, a high-performance fighter aircraft used in WWII and the Korean War.
10. What is Corsair famous for?
Corsair Gaming, Inc. is famous for its high-performance gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts.
11. Is Corsair a good brand?
Yes, Corsair Gaming, Inc. is considered a good brand, with a strong reputation for reliability and quality control, particularly in gaming peripherals.
12. Is Corsair made in America?
Corsair Gaming, Inc. is an American company, but its products are manufactured globally. The Lincoln Corsair vehicle has a high percentage of American and Canadian content but is also manufactured in China.
13. Is the Lincoln Corsair made in China?
Yes, the Lincoln Corsair is manufactured in China by the Changan-Ford joint venture.
14. Who are Corsair’s main competitors?
The main competitors of Corsair Gaming, Inc. include Vista Outdoor (VSTO), Oxford Industries (OXM), Sonos (SONO), Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (TV), MasterBrand (MBC), Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VSCO), Pactiv Evergreen (PTVE), Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE), Target Hospitality (TH), and AMC Entertainment (AMC).
15. Where does Corsair ship from?
Corsair Gaming, Inc. ships its products from warehouses in Duluth, GA, Jurupa Valley, CA, Miami, FL, and Taiwan.
Conclusion
The ownership landscape of “Corsair” is quite varied. While Corsair Gaming, Inc. is an American company dominating the gaming tech scene, other entities like Corsair International (a French airline) and the historic F4U Corsair aircraft share the name but have distinct origins and purposes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone seeking information about these brands. This detailed analysis should provide readers with a clear understanding of the different “Corsair” entities and their respective origins.