Maybe not. Maybe they were just after some patents or talent seabear had. They may not have been interested particularly in seabear's manufacturing facilities. In which case, they take what they want. Eliminate the relatively unknown seabear name, and finally update the older scubapro computer lines with something new.
True. It is certainly possible. But, from what I've heard via insider channels, it sounds like SP definitely intended to release the H3 as a re-badged product of their own. That makes me doubt they were just interested in patents and/or talent. I guess in the end it comes down to how much they paid. If they paid chump change, maybe the patents and/or talent still makes it a good value.