Logitech International SA has taken a 49% equity stake in Space Control GmbH, the German provider of Logitech’s Magellan 3D controller based in Gilching. The agreement includes an option for mouse maker Logitech to acquire 100% of Space Control over three years, depending on performance. Magellan, known as Space Mouse in Europe, is an input device used mainly in professional design environments for interactive control of 3D graphics objects on Unix and NT workstations. It evolved from the Control Ball 3D controller originally developed by the German Aerospace Research Establishment, DLR. Logitech says it’s seen a big surge in demand for 3D control devices from CAD/CAM/CAE and visual simulation users. Logitech began co-marketing the device in the US back in 1993. Logitech, a Swiss company, is listed on Nasdaq and has a US-based headquarters in Fremont, California.
