Memorex

Memorex Corp.
Company type	Public (until 1996)
Industry	Computer storage, consumer electronics
Founded	1961; 65 years ago
Founder	Laurence L. Spitters, Arnold T. Challman, Donald F. Eldridge, W. Lawrence Noon
Defunct	1996
Fate	Dissolved; brand acquired by Digital Products International
Headquarters	Silicon Valley, United States
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Computer magnetic tape, disk packs, disk drives, communication controllers, consumer media (audio cassettes, recordable CD/DVD media, flash storage, computer accessories)
Website	www.memorex.com

Memorex Corp. was established in 1961 within Silicon Valley by founders Laurence L. Spitters, Arnold T. Challman, Donald F. Eldridge, and W. Lawrence Noon. Originally specializing in computer magnetic tape manufacturing, Memorex diversified into consumer media and became a leading provider of IBM-compatible peripheral devices. The company remained publicly traded until its dissolution in 1996; currently, the Memorex brand is owned by Digital Products International and centers on consumer electronics including recordable CD/DVD media, flash storage, and computer accessories.

History and evolution

Starting with computer tape sales, Memorex expanded its product line to include disk packs, disk drives, and communication controllers designed for IBM mainframe computers. During the 1970s and early 1980s, it ranked among the largest independent manufacturers of hard disk drives and peripherals compatible with IBM systems worldwide. The company’s name is derived from combining the words "memory" and "excellence."

In 1971, Memorex entered the consumer media arena and gained widespread recognition through its memorable advertising slogan "Is it live, or is it Memorex?" which featured Ella Fitzgerald. This campaign played a crucial role in elevating its prominence within the audio cassette market.

The enterprise segment of Memorex was acquired by Burroughs Corporation in 1982, while the smaller consumer division was sold to Tandy Corporation. Subsequently, Burroughs and its successor Unisys gradually divested or discontinued various units. The segments related to computer media and communications were reorganized as Memorex International.

In 1988, Memorex International merged with Telex Corporation, creating Memorex Telex NV headquartered in the Netherlands. This organization transformed into an IT solutions provider focused on distributing data network and storage products and services across 18 countries. As of 2006, subsidiaries like Memorex Telex Japan (owned by Kanematsu) and Memorex Telex UK (under EDS Global Field Services) remained operational.

Ownership of the Memorex consumer brand changed hands multiple times—transitioning through Tandy, Hanny Holdings, and Imation—before being purchased by Digital Products International in 2016.

Timeline

1961 – Founding of Memorex by Laurence L. Spitters, Arnold T. Challman, Donald F. Eldridge, and W Lawrence Noon; Spitters appointed president.
1962 – Early shipment of computer tape as an independent supplier.
May 1965 – Initial public offering at $25 per share; closed at $32.
1966 – Becomes first independent firm to ship a disk pack.
Jun 1968 – First company to deliver an IBM-plug-compatible disk drive.
1970 – Releases 1270 Communications Controller compatible with IBM 27xx/37xx terminals.
1971 – Partners with CBS to form CMX Systems for videotape editing system development; launches consumer tape products in September.
1972 – Debuts the famous "Is it live, or is it Memorex?" advertising campaign.
Apr 1981 – Acquired by Burroughs Corporation.
Apr 1982 – Burroughs sells consumer division to Tandy Corporation.
May 1985 – Burroughs exits OEM disk drive market; transfers sales and service operations to Toshiba.
Sep 1986 – Burroughs merges with Sperry Corporation to establish Unisys.
Dec 1986 – Unisys spins off Media, Telecommunications, and International segments as Memorex International NV.
Jan 1988 – Merger of Memorex with Telex Corporation completed.
Dec 1988 – Unisys discontinues large disk drive business; spins off service operations as Sequel.
Nov 1993 – Tandy divests Memorex consumer brand to Hanny Holdings (Hong Kong).
Oct 1996 – U.S. branch of Memorex Telex NV files for bankruptcy; assets sold November 1.
Jan 2006 – Imation acquires Memorex brand for $330 million to broaden its product offerings.
Jan 2016 – Imation sells Memorex trademark and licensing rights to DPI Inc., a St. Louis-based consumer electronics firm, for $9.4 million.
Jan 2024 – Los Angeles-based brand management company Finest Brands, Inc., acquires the global IP portfolio and brand rights for Memorex; financial details undisclosed.

External links