Following the close of the sale of his shares to Seagate, Mr. Spruch would join Seagate and lead the company's consumer storage products organization.

ENGADGET: Seagate to buy LaCie for $186 million, expand its storage empire

Spruch noticed the attention LaCie's designs were getting across the pond.

FORBES: Design

Graphic designers and other creative professionals drove LaCie's business initially, but it was Philippe Spruch, LaCie's chairman and general manager, who expanded the company's reach to consumers.

FORBES: Design

Seagate has offered to purchase from Philippe Spruch, LaCie's chairman and CEO, and his affiliate, all of their shares, representing 64.5% of the outstanding shares of LaCie.

ENGADGET: Seagate to buy LaCie for $186 million, expand its storage empire

The financial terms of the new position of Mr Spruch are not determined as of today and would therefore be described subsequently, including in the tender offer documentation.

ENGADGET: Seagate to buy LaCie for $186 million, expand its storage empire

"With the proliferation of devices and content being shared and stored today, consumer demand for high-quality branded storage solutions continues to grow, " said Philippe Spruch, LaCie's chairman and CEO.

ENGADGET: Seagate to buy LaCie for $186 million, expand its storage empire

Upon completion of this process, Seagate and Mr. Spruch would execute a definitive share purchase agreement and finalize the purchase of the controlling interest held by Mr. Spruch and his affiliate.

ENGADGET: Seagate to buy LaCie for $186 million, expand its storage empire