JD Sports “Encouraged” By U.S. Progress

JD Sports, in an update on first-half results, said it opened it sixth JD Sports store in the U.S. with the conversion of the former Finish Line location at the Mall of America and also launched e-commerce in the region. Overall on the U.S., JD Sports said, “We remain encouraged by the developments in this market to date.”

June M&A Roundup: Oberalp Boosts Portfolio With Evolv Acquisition

Italy-based Oberalp Group on June 21 broadened its focus on mountain sports by announcing the acquisition of U.S. climbing shoe brand Evolv. That was just one highlight from a busy month for M&A in the active lifestyle space that also included deals in the fishing and fabric categories. Our June M&A Roundup breaks them down.

Wilson To Sponsor Basketball Champions League

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. and the Basketball Champions League announced they have entered into a three-year exclusive agreement. As part of the agreement, Wilson will provide the Official Game Ball for all Basketball Champions League games from
September 2019 through 2022.

RECALL: Faraday Electric Bicycles

About 4,450 electric bicycles are being recalled by Faraday. According to a release from the CPSC, the seat post on the bicycles can break, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

Sherrill Acquires Maine-Based Sterling Rope Company

Sherrill Inc., a Greensboro, NC-based arborist and climbing gear company, on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Biddeford, ME-based life safety rope manufacturer Sterling Rope Company Inc. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

HydraPak President Matt Lyon Talks Polar Bottle Plans

Matt Lyon, president of Oakland, CA-based hydration company HydraPak LLC, sat down with SGB Executive at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market to discuss the acquisition of Polar Bottle. Here’s what he shared about the ongoing integration and what’s in store for the longtime bottle brand—including a focus on the specialty channel.

TRX Appoints President

TRX, a leader in functional training equipment, education and technology, announced John Hutchison as its new president, beginning June 10, 2019. His past experience include brand strategy and general management roles at Nike and The North Face, where he last ran the global Run & Train division.