Internet search giant Google is to buy the wearables brand Fitbit.

The company says it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the firm.

The deal is worth US$7.35 (€6.59) per share in cash, which values Fitbit at around US$2.1bn (€1.88bn).

Google's senior vice president of devices and services, Rick Osterloh, said they hope to "spur innovation in wearables and build helpful products to benefit more people around the world."

"We believe technology is at its best when it can fade into the background, assisting you throughout your day whenever you need it.

"Wearable devices, like smartwatches and fitness trackers, do just that - you can easily see where your next meeting is with just a glance of an eye or monitor your daily activity right from your wrist", he said.

Over the years, Google has partnered in this space with Wear OS and Google Fit.

A man wears Fitbit in Chicago in 2016 | Image: TNS/ABACA/ABACA/PA Images

However it says it sees "opportunity to invest even more" in Wear OS, as well as to introduce Made by Google wearable devices into the market.

A statement added: "Google also remains committed to Wear OS and our ecosystem partners, and we plan to work closely with Fitbit to combine the best of our respective smartwatch and fitness tracker platforms."

James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit, said: "More than 12 years ago, we set an audacious company vision - to make everyone in the world healthier.

"Today, I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved towards reaching that goal.

"We have built a trusted brand that supports more than 28 million active users around the globe who rely on our products to live a healthier, more active life.

He added: "Google is an ideal partner to advance our mission.

"With Google's resources and global platform, Fitbit will be able to accelerate innovation in the wearables category, scale faster, and make health even more accessible to everyone. I could not be more excited for what lies ahead."

The sale is expected to close in 2020, subject to closing conditions - including approval by Fitbit's stockholders and regulatory approvals.

Both Google and Fitbit have operations in Dublin.