Acer Inc.

{{short description|Taiwanese multinational electronics corporation}} {{About|the company|other uses|Acer (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Infobox company | name = Acer Inc. | logo = Acer Group 2012.svg | image = Acer Building in Oriental Science Park right-front.jpg | image_caption = Acer Building in Taipei, Taiwan | native_name = 宏碁股份有限公司 | native_name_lang = zh-hant | former_name = Multitech Electronics Inc. (1976–1987) | romanized_name = Hóngjí Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī | type = Public | traded_as = {{TSE|2353}} | ISIN = TW0002353000 | industry = Electronics | founded = {{Start date and age|1976|08|01|df=yes}} in Taiwan | founders = {{Unbulleted list |Stan Shih |Carolyn Yeh |Lemuel Girma }} | hq_location_city = Xizhi District, New Taipei | hq_location_country = Taiwan | area_served = Worldwide | key_people = {{Unbulleted list |Stan Shih (co-founder and honorary chairman) |George Huang (chairman) |Jason Chen (CEO and president) }} | products = {{Hlist|PCs|smartphones|servers|storage|handhelds|monitors|LEDs|LCDs|televisions|Video projectors|e-business }} | brands = {{Hlist|Acer Predator|Altos}} | revenue = {{Increase}} NT$277.1 billion<ref name="FY"/> | revenue_year = 2020 | operating_income = {{Increase}} NT$8.9 billion<ref name="FY"/> | income_year = 2020 | net_income = {{Increase}} NT$6.1 billion<ref name="FY"/> | net_income_year = 2020 | assets = {{Increase}} NT$183.9 billion<ref name="FY"/> | assets_year = 2020 | equity = {{Increase}} NT$61.9 billion<ref name="FY"/> | equity_year = 2020 | owner = | num_employees = 9,026<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.acer.com/sustainability/en/inclusive-workplace-and-society/attracting-and-developing-talent/staff-structure |title=Staff Structure |website=Acer |access-date=August 19, 2025 |archive-date=April 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401002412/https://www.acer-group.com/sustainability/en/staff-structure.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> | num_employees_year = 2024 December | parent = | subsid = {{Unbulleted list |Gateway |Packard Bell |eMachines (now-defunct) |Escom (now-defunct) }} | footnotes = <ref name="FY">{{cite web| url=https://static.acer.com/up/Resource/AcerGroup/Investor_Relations/Annual_Reports/20210525/2020_Acer_Annual_Report_EN.PDF|title=2020 Acer Annual Report|access-date=2022-02-02}}</ref><ref name="FG2000">{{cite news |url = https://www.forbes.com/companies/acer/ |title = Forbes Global 2000 #1131: Acer |date = April 2016 |publisher = Fortune |access-date = 14 July 2016}}</ref> | homepage = {{URL|www.acer-group.com}} }} {{Infobox Chinese | title = Acer Inc. | t = {{linktext|宏|碁|股份|有限|公司}} | p = Hóngjí Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī | poj = Hông-kî Kó͘-hūn Iú-hān Kong-si | tl = Hông-kî Kóo-hūn Iú-hān Kong-si | w = Hungchi Kufên Yuhsien Kungssǔ | l = Hongji Corporation Ltd }}

'''Acer Inc.''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|eɪ|s|ər}}; {{respell|AY|sər}}) is a Taiwanese multinational company that produces computer hardware and electronics, headquartered in Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. Its products include desktop PCs, laptop PCs (clamshells, 2-in-1s, convertibles and Chromebooks), tablets, servers, storage devices, virtual reality devices, displays, smartphones, televisions and peripherals, as well as gaming PCs and accessories under its Predator brand. {{as of|2024|post=,}} Acer is the world's sixth-largest personal computer vendor by unit sales.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 11, 2024 |title=Gartner Says Worldwide PC Shipments Increased 0.3% in Fourth Quarter of 2023 but Declined 14.8% for the Year |url=https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/01-10-2024-gartner-says-worldwide-pc-shipments-increased-zero-point-three-percent-in-fourth-quarter-of-2023-but-declined-fourteen-point-eight-percent-for-the-year |access-date=January 11, 2024 |publisher=Gartner}}</ref>

Founded in 1976 as '''Multitech Electronics Inc.''', in the early 2000s, Acer implemented a new business model, shifting from a manufacturer to a designer, marketer, and distributor of products, while performing production processes via contract manufacturers.<ref name="CentRes">Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations, Bart Sleb, 2005</ref> Currently, in addition to its core IT products business, Acer also has a new business entity that focuses on the integration of cloud services and platforms, and the development of smartphones and wearable devices with value-added IoT applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160324005675/en/Acer-Separates-Core-Businesses-Accelerate-Corporate-Transformation|title=Acer Separates New and Core Businesses to Accelerate Corporate Transformation {{!}} Business Wire|website=businesswire.com|access-date=2016-12-19|date=24 March 2016}}</ref>

==History== thumb|Micro-Professor MPF-I (1981)

Acer was founded as Multitech in 1976 by Stan Shih ({{lang-zh |t = 施振榮 |first = t}}), his wife Carolyn Yeh, and five others in Hsinchu City, Taiwan. The company began with eleven employees and US$25,000 in capital. Initially, it was primarily a distributor of electronic parts and a consultant in the use of microprocessor technologies. It produced the Micro-Professor MPF-I training kit, then two Apple II clones–the Microprofessor II and III–before joining the emerging IBM PC compatible market and becoming a significant PC manufacturer. The company was renamed Acer in 1987.

In 1998, Acer reorganized into five groups: Acer International Service Group, Acer Sertek Service Group, Acer Semiconductor Group, Acer Information Products Group, and Acer Peripherals Group. To dispel complaints from clients that Acer competed with its own products and to alleviate the competitive nature of the branded sales versus contract manufacturing businesses, the company spun off the contract business in 2000, renaming it Wistron Corporation. The restructuring resulted in two primary units: brand name sales and contract manufacturing. In 2001, the company sold its manufacturing units BenQ and Wistron in order to focus resources on design and sales.

Acer increased worldwide sales while simultaneously reducing its labor force by identifying and using marketing strategies that best utilized its existing distribution channels. In January 2005 {{ill|Gianfranco Lanci|zh|蔣凡可·蘭奇}} became the president.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acer President and CEO Gianfranco Lanci resigns |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2279241/acer-president-and-ceo-gianfranco-lanci-resigns.html |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=InfoWorld |language=en-US}}</ref> By 2005, Acer employed 7,800 people worldwide<ref name="Gianfranco Tutti" />. Revenues rose from US$4.9 billion in 2003<ref name="Gianfranco Tutti">{{cite web |url= http://www.acer.co.in/press/New_President.pdf |title= Gianfranco Lanci is appointed President of Acer Inc., effective January 2005 |publisher=Acer |date= 1 September 2004 |access-date=27 April 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070403125915/http://www.acer.co.in/press/New_President.pdf |archive-date = 3 April 2007}}</ref> to US$11.31 billion in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sutori|url=https://www.sutori.com/story/company-aser-ict-2019--vrn9zSZSGp8HebHqMimmmvz1|access-date=2021-02-16|website=sutori.com|language=en}}</ref>

In the mid-2000s, consumer notebooks were almost the sole growth drivers for the PC industry, and Acer's exceptionally low overheads and dedication to the channel made it one of the main beneficiaries of this trend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hexus.net/business/news/corporate/29829-acer-boss-throws-towel/|title=Acer boss throws in the towel – Corporate – News – HEXUS.net|date=31 March 2011 |access-date=29 June 2016}}</ref> Acer grew quickly in Europe in part by embracing the use of more traditional distribution channels targeting retail consumers when some rivals were pursuing online sales and business customers. In 2007, Acer bought Gateway in the United States and Packard Bell in Europe, and became the third-largest provider of computers and the second largest for notebooks, achieving significant improvement in profitability. Acer has strived to become the world's largest PC vendor in the belief that the goal can help it achieve economy of scale and garner higher margin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cens.com/cens/html/en/news/news_inner_35793.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509093115/http://www.cens.com/cens/html/en/news/news_inner_35793.html|url-status=dead|title=Acer Should Overhaul Its Operation: Stan Shih | Taiwan Industry Updates|archive-date=9 May 2013|website=CENS.com}}</ref> However, such a reliance on the high-volume, low-value PC market made Acer exposed when buying habits changed.

In November 2013, chairman and CEO J.T. Wang and president Jim Wong both resigned due to the company's poor financial performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Summers |first=Nick |date=2013-11-05 |title=Acer CEO and Chairman JT Wang Resigns |url=https://thenextweb.com/news/acer-ceo-jt-wang-resigns-will-replaced-company-president-jim-wong-january-1-2014 |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=TNW {{!}} Insider |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Acer's financial woes force exit of CEO, president |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/acers-financial-woes-force-exit-of-ceo-president/ |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> Wang had been reportedly due to leave Acer at the end of the year and was supposed to have been succeeded by Wong.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishkin |first=Sarah |date=5 November 2013 |title=Acer chairman and CEO steps down |url=https://www.ft.com/content/866065f6-462d-11e3-b495-00144feabdc0 |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=Financial Times}}</ref> Acer co-founder Stan Shih took over as board chairman and interim president while the company searched for a new president.<ref name=":0" /> On 23 December 2013, Acer named Jason Chen, then the vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Acer names semiconductor veteran as new CEO |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/443121/acer-names-semiconductor-veteran-as-new-ceo.html |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=PCWorld |language=en}}</ref> as its new president and CEO, effective 1 January 2014.<ref>{{cite web |date=23 December 2013 |title=Acer names semiconductor veteran as new CEO |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2082860/acer-names-semiconductor-veteran-as-new-ceo.html |access-date=24 December 2013 |work=PC World}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

In September 2018, Acer spun-off its smart gadget unit GadgeTek Inc., which produces Leap Beads, smart prayer beads that track mantras and footsteps.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Sherri L. |date=11 June 2018 |title=Acer Leap Beads Bridges Gap Between Spirituality and Tech |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/acer-leap-beads,news-27377.html |website=tomsguide.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=About GadgeTek Inc.|url=https://www.gti.tech/en/brand/gadgetek-inc/|access-date=23 October 2020|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202032614/https://www.gti.tech/en/brand/gadgetek-inc/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2019, Acer announced the esports social platform PLANET9,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acer Expands Closed Beta for Planet9, a Next-Gen Esports Platform - CTIMES News |url=https://en.ctimes.com.tw/DispNews.asp?O=HK3BM8X8GHISAA00N1#google_vignette |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=en.ctimes.com.tw |language=en}}</ref> which aims to provide game analytics, community-organized competitions, and social experiences.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Acer Expands Closed Beta for Planet9, a Next-Gen Esports Platform|url=https://news.acer.com/acer-expands-closed-beta-for-planet9-a-next-gen-esports-platform|access-date=2021-01-04|website=news.acer.com|date=22 November 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In October 2020, Acer held the next@acer global online launch event, during which it announced a new real-time translation feature for PLANET9 called SigridWave. This feature uses Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology to transcribe spoken gamer input into text, and applies Neural Machine Translation (NMT) technology to translate the text in real time.

In May 2021, Acer joined the RE100 initiative organized by Climate Group and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), committing to use 100 percent renewable energy across its global operations by 2035.

== Corporate affairs ==

=== Business trends === The key trends for Acer are (as of the financial year ending December 31):<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acer Income Statement |url=https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/TW/XTAI/2353/financials/annual/income-statement |access-date=23 July 2024 |website=WSJ}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" ! !Revenue (TWD bn) !Net profit (TWD bn) !Employees<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acer's Employee Headcount |url=https://www.globaldata.com/data-insights/technology-media-and-telecom/acers-employee-headcount/ |access-date=23 July 2024 |website=globaldata.com}}</ref> |- |2019 |234 |2.6 |7,240 |- |2020 |277 |6.0 |7,467 |- |2021 |319 |10.8 |7,713 |- |2022 |275 |5.0 | |- |2023 |241 |4.9 |7,813<ref>{{Cite web |title=Staff Employment |url=https://www.acer.com/sustainability/en/inclusive-workplace-and-society/attracting-and-developing-talent/staff-structure#:~:text=Staff%20Employment,spread%20across%2040%20countries%2Fterritories. |access-date=23 July 2024 |website=Acer}}</ref> |}

==Acquisitions and joint ventures== * In 1988, Acer acquired Counterpoint Computers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lazzareschi |first=Carla |date=1989-12-12 |title=Taiwan Gains Foothold in U.S. Computer Field With Purchase of Wyse : Technology: The $262-million deal is Taiwan's largest in a growing string of U.S. acquisitions. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-12-12-fi-180-story.html |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> * In 1990, Acer acquired Altos Computer Corporation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=L. A. Times |date=1990-07-06 |title=Taiwan Firm to Acquire Altos Computer: Acer... |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-06-fi-196-story.html |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> * In 1993, Acer acquired the PC division of Commodore International.<ref>PC Dealer and Computer Reseller, Issue 795, 24 Nov. 1993</ref> * In 1997, Acer acquired Texas Instruments notebook computer business. * On 27 August 2007, Acer announced plans to acquire its US-based rival Gateway Inc. for US$710 million. Acer's former chairman, J.T. Wang, stated that the acquisition completed Acer's "global footprint, by strengthening [its] United States presence".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna20458321|title=Taiwan's Acer to buy PC maker Gateway – World business |work=NBC News|date=27 August 2007|access-date=7 April 2009}}</ref> Included in this acquisition was the eMachines brand. * In January 2008, Acer announced that it had acquired a controlling interest of 75% of Packard Bell.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013101390.html |title=Acer Buys 75 Percent of Packard Bell making it the 2nd largest computer maker in the world |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=7 April 2009 |date=31 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628212928/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013101390.html |archive-date=28 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> * In March 2008, Acer acquired Taiwanese electronics manufacturing company E-TEN. * In 2009, Acer acquired 29.9% of Italian computer system manufacturer Olidata. * In August 2010, Acer and Founder Technology signed a memorandum of mutual understanding to strengthen their long-term PC business cooperation. * In July 2011, Acer bought iGware (formally BroadOn)<ref>{{Cite web|title=A lot of Nintendo source code design information leaked! Contains Wii host source code – ElectroDealPro|url=https://electrodealpro.com/a-lot-of-nintendo-source-code-design-information-leaked-contains-wii-host-source-code/|access-date=2020-07-30|language=en-US|archive-date=3 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003072021/https://electrodealpro.com/a-lot-of-nintendo-source-code-design-information-leaked-contains-wii-host-source-code/|url-status=dead}}</ref> for US$320 million. The aim is to create Acer Cloud to enter cloud computing market.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-news/acer-to-buy-cloud-computing-firm-igware/article2104667/|title=Acer to buy cloud computing firm iGware|access-date=29 June 2016}}</ref> iGware had developed cloud software and infrastructure tools for devices. It had also notably partnered with Nintendo on several projects.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reisinger|first=Don|title=Acer to acquire cloud-service provider iGware|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/acer-to-acquire-cloud-service-provider-igware/|access-date=2020-07-30|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref> * In September 2015, Acer acquired GPS cycling computer brand Xplova.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aeco/201509020041.aspx|title=Acer acquires GPS firm Xplova {{!}} Economics {{!}} FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS|access-date=2016-12-28}}</ref> * In September 2015, Acer invested in robotics start-up company Jibo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2015/09/05/2003626946|title=Acer invests in robotics start-up company Jibo – Taipei Times|website=www.taipeitimes.com|date=5 September 2015 |access-date=2016-12-29}}</ref> * In March 2016, Acer made an equity investment in GrandPad, a provider of technology solutions specifically designed for senior citizens.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/grandpad_and_acer_announce_strategic_partnership/prweb13266046.htm|title=grandPad® and Acer Announce Strategic Partnership|newspaper=PRWeb|access-date=2016-12-28}}</ref> * In June 2016, Acer's board of directors approved the establishment of a joint venture with Starbreeze to design, manufacture, promote, market and sell StarVR Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Displays.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.starbreeze.com/2016/06/acer-starbreeze-boards-approve-definitive-agreement-form-joint-venture-starvr/|title=Acer and Starbreeze Boards Approve Definitive Agreement to form Joint Venture for StarVR – Starbreeze|date=2016-06-25|newspaper=Starbreeze|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-12-28|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724225743/https://www.starbreeze.com/2016/06/acer-starbreeze-boards-approve-definitive-agreement-form-joint-venture-starvr/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * In 2016, Acer acquired wireless pet camera maker Pawbo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/31/acer-reveals-pawbo-pet-accessories/|title=Acer reveals 'Pawbo' pet accessories|website=Engadget|date=31 August 2016 |access-date=2016-12-28}}</ref> * In 2017, Acer became the largest corporate shareholder of AOPEN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aopen.com/us/aopen%C2%AE-acer%C2%AE-gear-up-to-expand-global-footprint|title=AOPEN® & ACER® Gear Up to Expand Global Footprint|website=www.aopen.com|access-date=2018-01-04|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726143401/https://www.aopen.com/us/aopen%C2%AE-acer%C2%AE-gear-up-to-expand-global-footprint|url-status=dead}}</ref> * In October 2017, Acer purchased a 66.7% majority stake in StarVR from Starbreeze.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-10-24-starbreeze-cedes-majority-control-of-starvr-to-acer |title=Starbreeze cedes majority control of StarVR to Acer |work=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=June 1, 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106171938/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-10-24-starbreeze-cedes-majority-control-of-starvr-to-acer |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> * In 2019, Acer and Ubisoft teamed up for the Rainbow Six Pro League and other major esports events with the Predator brand as the PC and monitor sponsor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acer annual report 2021 |url=https://static.acer.com/up/Resource/AcerGroup/Investor_Relations/Annual_Reports/20220523/2021_Acer_Annual_Report_en.pdf}}</ref> * In 2025, Acer acquired all Posiflex Technology's preferred shares, which translates to approximately 29% of Posiflex's total common and preferred shares issued. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Chung |first=Steven |date=2025-02-21 |title=Acer to Acquire All of Posiflex Technology, Inc.’s Preferred Shares |url=https://news.acer.com/acer-to-acquire-all-of-posiflex-technology-incs-preferred-shares |access-date=2026-05-27 |website=Acer |language=en}}</ref> Acer's Chief Strategy Officer, Kuo Jian-Cheng, assumed the role of Chairman for Posiflex following the company's acquisition of a major stake. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Taipei |first=Ninelu Tu |date=2025-06-16 |title=Acer chief strategy officer becomes chair of IPC maker Posiflex |url=https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20250616PD208/acer-posiflex-ipc-chairman-business.html |access-date=2026-05-27 |website=DIGITIMES |language=en}}</ref>

==Operations== As of September 2022, Acer has over 7,713 employees worldwide, operating in 40 countries/territories.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ACER CSR |url=https://www.acer-group.com/sustainability/en/staff-structure.html#staff-structure |access-date=25 September 2022 |website=acer-group.com |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401002412/https://www.acer-group.com/sustainability/en/staff-structure.html#staff-structure |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Australia=== Acer Computer Australia (ACA) was established in 1990, and is currently Australia's third-largest personal computer vendor, behind Hewlett-Packard Australia and Dell Australia and New Zealand. ACA has Australia's highest overall market share in notebook PC and tablet PC sales. The company is also Australia's leading PC vendor in the government and education markets. {{As of|2006|post=,}} it has over 480 employees.

The company repairs, assembles and manufacturers laptops and desktops in Sydney.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/wellschooled-acer-focuses-on-local-cred/news-story/e0c0c62dd0ef61a2e1bbf7d3bd0bce07?nk=1a859b584bc0141d5f336567f08339ab-1528800655 |title=Nocookies |date=12 June 2018 |publisher=The Australian |access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crn.com.au/gallery/inside-acers-australian-computer-facility-301338/page3|title=Inside Acer's Australian computer facility|website=CRN Australia|access-date=13 June 2018|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115011827/https://www.crn.com.au/gallery/inside-acers-australian-computer-facility-301338/page3|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Europe=== Acer's EMEA headquarters are located in Lugano, Switzerland. From the late 1990s to mid-2000s, Acer had computer factories in Europe. The business area was the whole EMEA. In the Netherlands under the name of Acer IMS bv, there were two factories: Acer laptop factory in Den Bosch and Acer and IBM desktop factory in Tilburg.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Duitse PC-productie Acer naar Tilburg |url=https://www.computable.nl/artikel/nieuws/ict-branche/133960/250449/duitse-pc-productie-acer-naar-tilburg.html |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=www.computable.nl |date=26 January 2000 |language=NL}}</ref><ref>Article in Dutch about the factory in Tilburg {{cite web|url=http://www.computable.nl/artikel/achtergrond/kanaal/1302793/1277452/acer-centraliseert-productie-in-tilburg.html |title=Acer centraliseert productie in Tilburg | Kanaal | Computable |access-date=2013-11-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110213022/http://www.computable.nl/artikel/achtergrond/kanaal/1302793/1277452/acer-centraliseert-productie-in-tilburg.html |archive-date=10 November 2013}}</ref> Acer also had facilities in Germany under the name of IMS in Ahrensburg and Hamburg. Acer computers are also assembled in Mingachevir, Azerbaijan.

===India=== Acer's subsidiary in India was incorporated in 1999. It is a notable vendor in key segments such as education, desktop computers, and low profile notebooks for education. The head office is in Bengaluru, Karnataka. India rose to become Acer's second-largest worldwide market in 2023. In an effort to diversify from the computer hardware market, a new firm called AcerPure was established to sell home appliances in India.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mallick |first=Subhrojit |date=2024-02-26 |title=Acer to make home appliances in India, export too: MD Harish Kohli |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/electronics/acer-to-make-home-appliances-in-india-export-too-md-harish-kohli/articleshow/107991107.cms |access-date=2024-02-27 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

===Indonesia=== Acer Indonesia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer and distributes its products through its main distributor Dragon Computer & Communication. Acer is currently the second-largest computer vendor in Indonesia. In the first quarter of 2016, Acer recorded >81% market share in Windows tablet in Indonesia.

===North America=== [[File:Acer-America-Offices.jpg|thumb|Acer America Headquarters in San Jose]]

Acer America Corporation, headquartered in San Jose, California, is a member of the Acer Group. Acer's R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing operations in the United States and Canada are handled by Acer America. The U.S. headquarters was opened with a staff of three in 1985, as Multitech Electronics USA, in Mountain View, California. In 1986, the U.S. headquarters were moved to San Jose, California.

==Notable product lines== thumb|An Acer Aspire laptop * Acer Extensa series – Business-oriented laptops * Acer Iconia – A series of tablet computers * Acer Aspire – Budget to entry level personal-use computer and laptops aimed for casual household use * Acer TravelMate – Lightweight business-oriented laptops *Acer Nitro – Acer's entry to mid-end gaming-oriented laptops and handheld PC * Acer Predator – Acer's mid to high-end gaming laptops and desktops * Acer Aspire One – Acer's mid to high-end personal-use laptop * Acer Swift – A series of mid to high-end ultra-portable notebooks * Acer Spin – A series of budget to mid-end two-in-one laptops * Acer ConceptD – Desktop and laptops designed for studios and rendering *Acer Veriton – A high-end business-oriented desktop *Acer Enduro – Acer's series of rugged laptops *Acer Enduro Urban – Lightweight semi-rugged laptops. *Acer Vero – Eco-friendly laptops.

==Brands== * Aazar * eMachines *ProPack * Gateway * Packard Bell *Pawbo * Predator *Xplova *Nitro *AcerPure

== Logos == <gallery> File:Acer Inc. logo from 1987-2001.svg|1987-2001 File:Acer Logo.svg|2001-2011 File:Acer 2011.svg|2011-present File:Acer Group 2012.svg|2012-present (corporate) </gallery>

== Corporate social responsibility == {{see also|Corporate social responsibility}} In 2005, Acer published its first environmental report, for which the company used the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. All of Acer's tier-one suppliers have acquired ISO 14001 certification.<ref>ISO 14001 was released in 1996 with the intent that companies manage all of the activities, products, and services that can significantly impact the environment</ref>

In November 2012, Acer was ranked 4th place out of 15 in Greenpeace's re-launched Guide to Greener Electronics, with a score of 5.1 points out of 10. The Guide ranks electronics makers according to their policies and practices to reduce their impact on the climate, produce greener products, and make their operations more sustainable.<ref name="Guide to Greener Electronics">{{cite web|url=http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/cool-it/Guide-to-Greener-Electronics/ |title=Guide to Greener Electronics – Greenpeace International|access-date=16 November 2011}}</ref>

Greenpeace criticized the company for not setting out targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as intended in 2010 and for not providing external verification for the GHG emissions it reports for its operations and business travel. It also scored badly on the products criteria receiving no points on product lifecycle while Greenpeace noted that a higher percentage of its products need to meet or exceed Energy Star standards in order for it to score more points.<ref name="Guide to Greener Electronics"/>

It received some praise for launching new products which are free from Polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and the company informed Greenpeace that the majority of its products will be PVC/BFR free in the near future. Acer also scored well on chemical management for lobbying for restrictions on organo-halogens and was commended for reporting on GHG emissions from its first-tier suppliers and investigating its second tier.<ref name="Guide to Greener Electronics"/>

In its 2012 report on progress relating to conflict minerals, the Enough Project rated Acer the seventh highest of 24 consumer electronics companies.<ref name='EnoughProject2012'>{{cite web |url= http://www.enoughproject.org/files/CorporateRankings2012.pdf |title= Taking Conflict Out of Consumer Gadgets: Company Rankings on Conflict Minerals 2012 |access-date= 2012-08-17 |last= Lezhnev |first= Sasha |author2= Alex Hellmuth |date= Aug 2012 |publisher= Enough Project}}</ref>

Acer has been listed on the DJSI's Emerging Markets Index since 2014 and on MSCI's Global Sustainability Indexes in 2015–2016.<ref name= 'Acer Listed on Global Sustainability Indices: 2016 DJSI and MSCI'>{{cite web |url= https://news.acer.com/acer-listed-on-global-sustainability-indices-2016-djsi-and-msci |title= Acer Listed on Global Sustainability Indices: 2016 DJSI and MSCI |access-date= 22 February 2021 |date= Nov 2016}}</ref>

==Sponsorships== * Acer sponsored the BAR-Honda Formula One racing team in the year {{F1|2000}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sport and technology: the true spirit of excellence|url=http://www.acer-group.com/public/News/2007/20071206-01.htm|website=www.acer-group.com|publisher=Acer Inc.|access-date=3 June 2014|date=6 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110004153/http://www.acer-group.com/public/News/2007/20071206-01.htm|archive-date=10 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In {{F1|2001}}, Acer provided sponsorship to the Prost Grand Prix Formula One team, and the team's Ferrari engines were badged as Acers. * Acer sponsored the Ferrari Formula 1 team from 2003 up to 2012 (Official Supplier since 2006) and its Top Sponsor of FC Internazionale – Milano (Inter Milan) Football Club. From 2007 to 2009 Acer has been Official Supplier of FC Barcelona.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://global.acer.com/about/news.asp?id=6745|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219200301/http://global.acer.com/about/news.asp?id=6745|url-status=dead|title=About Acer – News Release|archive-date=19 February 2007}}</ref> On 19 March 2007, Acer announced it would sponsor the Factory Fiat Yamaha Team for the 2007 MotoGP World Championship season. Since 2009, Packard Bell (part of Acer Group) has been the sponsor of the Yamaha Factory Racing Team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Packard Bell sponsor of Yamaha Factory Racing Team Changeover of sponsorship from Acer|url=http://www.acer-group.com/public/News/2009/20090202.htm|website=www.acer-group.com|publisher=Acer Inc.|access-date=3 June 2014|date=2 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109182958/http://www.acer-group.com/public/News/2009/20090202.htm|archive-date=9 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Acer was the worldwide TOP Partners for both the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Acer was TOP Partner of the London 2012 Summer Olympics.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lee|first=Sheena|date=2007-12-06|title=Taiwan's Acer to become Olympic sponsor|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/acer-olympics-idUKTP16724220071206|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012235048/https://uk.reuters.com/article/acer-olympics-idUKTP16724220071206|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2020|access-date=2020-10-05}}</ref> *On 18 June 2019, Acer Predator sponsored Ubisoft ''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege Pro League Season X'', becoming the official PC Monitor of Rainbow Six Pro League and Majors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.acer.com/ubisoft-kicks-off-a-revamped-tom-clancys-rainbow-six-pro-league-season-x-with-all-new-acer-predator-sponsorship|title=Ubisoft Kicks off a Revamped Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Pro League Season X With All-New Acer Predator Sponsorship|access-date=2 February 2021|date=18 June 2019}}</ref> ==Awards== In October 2024, Acer Poland received the Kotler Awards Poland in the ''Small Company'' category (up to 50 employees) and in the ''Consumer Brand'' category; the awards were announced during the European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI) in Sopot.<ref name="EFNI2024">{{Cite web |url=https://efni.pl/2024/10/17/jak-budowac-polskie-marki-ktore-podbija-swiat/ |title=Jak budować polskie marki, które podbiją świat? |website=EFNI |date=2024-10-17 |access-date=2025-12-28 |language=pl}}</ref><ref name="TVN242024">{{Cite web |url=https://tvn24.pl/biznes/z-kraju/nagroda-kotlera-dla-fundacji-tvn-za-kampanie-podaruj-misia-st8142690 |title=Nagroda Kotlera dla Fundacji TVN za kampanię "Podaruj Misia" |website=TVN24 Biznes |date=2024-10-19 |access-date=2025-12-28 |language=pl}}</ref><ref name="BI2024">{{Cite web |url=https://businessinsider.com.pl/wiadomosci/pierwszy-raz-w-europie-przyznano-nagrody-prof-philipa-kotlera/zm1f9cw |title=Pierwszy raz w Europie przyznano nagrody prof. Philipa Kotlera |website=Business Insider Polska |date=2024-10-17 |access-date=2025-12-28 |language=pl}}</ref><ref name="MagPomorskiKotler">{{Cite web |url=https://www.magazynpomorski.eu/pl/kotler-awards-po-raz-pierwszy-w-europie-honorowa-nagroda-kotler-presidential-dla-prezydenta-lecha-walesy |title=Kotler Awards po raz pierwszy w Europie. Honorowa nagroda Kotler Presidential dla prezydenta Lecha Wałęsy |website=Magazyn Pomorski |access-date=2025-12-28 |language=pl}}</ref>

==Controversy== During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Acer refused to join the international community and withdraw from the Russian market. Research from Yale University from 28 March 2022, identifying how companies were reacting to Russia's aggression, identified Acer in the worst category "Digging in", meaning Defying Demands for Exit: companies defying demands for exit/reduction of activities.<ref>{{cite web|author= |title= Over 450 Companies Have Withdrawn from Russia—But Some Remain |website= Yale School of Management |url=https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/over-450-companies-have-withdrawn-russia-some-remain |access-date= 28 March 2022}}</ref> Acer subsequently reversed its decision and suspended business in Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Snider |first=Shane |date=2022-04-08 |title=Taiwan PC Maker Acer Suspends Russia Business |url=https://www.crn.com/news/mobility/taiwan-pc-maker-acer-suspends-russia-business |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=CRN |language=en}}</ref> Despite stating that it would suspend business in Russia, a Reuters investigation of customs data found that Acer supplied at least $70.4 million worth of computer hardware to Russia between 8 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 through Acer's wholly owned Swiss-registered subsidiary. Since the shipments occurred outside Taiwan, they did not violate Taiwanese sanctions against Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/taiwans-acer-ships-computer-hardware-russia-after-saying-it-would-suspend-2023-06-08/|title=Exclusive: Taiwan's Acer ships computer hardware to Russia after saying it would suspend business|first1=Filipp|last1=Lebedev|first2=Gleb|last2=Stolyarov|work=Reuters|date=2023-06-29|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Taiwan|Companies|California|Technology}} {{Commons category}} * Acer Chromebook Tab 10 * Acer Value Line * ASUS, a rival Taiwan-based company started in 1989 by former Acer engineers * E-TEN * eMachines, Acer subsidiary, 2007–2013 * Packard Bell, Acer subsidiary, 2007–2015 * Gateway Inc., Acer subsidiary since 2007 * BenQ, formerly Acer CM * AOpen * List of companies of Taiwan * Microprofessor I, Acer's first product * List of computer system manufacturers * ALi, formerly Acer Laboratories Incorporated * Wistron, formerly the manufacturing arm of Acer

==References== {{reflist}}

===Sources=== * {{Cite web |url=https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/miedzynarodowa-nagroda-dla-najlepszych-firm-po-raz-pierwszy-w-polsce%2C7169334412195457a |title=Międzynarodowa nagroda dla najlepszych firm po raz pierwszy w Polsce |website=Wirtualne Media |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-12-28 |language=pl}} * {{Cite web |url=https://pap-mediaroom.pl/biznes-i-finanse/nagroda-prof-philipa-kotlera-kotler-awards-2024-po-raz-pierwszy-w-europie |title=Nagroda prof. Philipa Kotlera. Kotler Awards 2024 - po raz pierwszy w Europie. Międzynarodowa nagroda dla najlepszych firm |website=PAP MediaRoom |date=2024-07-10 |access-date=2025-12-28 |language=pl}}

==External links==   * {{Official website}}

{{Acer Inc.}} {{Electronics industry in Taiwan}} {{Open Handset Alliance Members}} {{Major computer hardware companies}} {{Major mobile device companies}} {{Authority control|state=expanded}}

Category:Acer Inc. Category:1976 establishments in Taiwan Category:1996 initial public offerings Category:Companies based in New Taipei Category:Computer companies of Taiwan Category:Computer companies established in 1976 Category:Computer hardware companies Category:Computer systems companies Category:Companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange Category:Companies in the Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index Category:Consumer electronics brands Category:Display technology companies Category:Electronics companies of Taiwan Category:Formula One engine manufacturers Category:Mobile phone manufacturers Category:Multinational companies headquartered in Taiwan Category:Netbook manufacturers Category:Portable audio player manufacturers Category:Taiwanese brands Category:Graphics hardware companies