A Brand Perspective on Apple and Beats

I admit my first reaction to the news that Apple acquired Beats was skepticism.  The deal may have made sense from a business perspective, but it didn’t seem a wise move for the Apple brand — especially since Apple announced it would be keeping and using the Beats brand name.  But after I got past my knee-jerk reaction and had a chance to weigh the pros and cons, I came to realize that the deal isn’t as much cause for concern about the Apple brand as I, and others, initially thought – at least not in the near term.  My new Forbes column details my thinking.  Please take a look and let me know whether or not you agree — comments welcome!

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