Hercules (corporation) or also known as Hercules Computer Technology, Inc. started its operations in 1982 in California, USA and went on to become a major graphics card manufacturer in the 1980s. Hercules eventually declined as a firm during the 1990s with the rise of firms as ATI Technologies, Hercules year on year sales in 1998 later fell to a mere US$20 million. Hercules failed acquisition deal with ELSA in August 1998 for US$8.5 million forced ELSA to enter chapter 11 bankruptcy. Hercules as a brand was later purchased by French based firm Guillemot Corporation for US$1.5 million. Hercules today now offers an array of PC imaging, audio and wireless enabled (Wi-Fi) technological products in their portfolio through Guillemot.