New Study: Heelys Safer Than Most Other Sports

Heelys, Inc. said a recent study using Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data confirms an earlier study and finds that using Heelys wheeled footwear is significantly safer than bicycling, skateboarding, basketball, soccer and even tennis. Heiden

Bakers Footwear Q4 Net Plunges on Declining Comps

Bakers Footwear Group Inc. reported that fiscal fourth quarter profits plunged 68.9% to to $1.4 million, 21 cents a share, from $4.5 million, or 68 cents, a year ago. Sales were flat at $61.2 million versus $61.3 million a year ago. Comparable store sale

Mad Dogg Athletics Wins Trademark Suit

Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc., a provider of instructor education and products for indoor cycling, said it won a federal lawsuit against Pan Holdings, Inc. for cyberpiracy and infringement of its Spin® trademark. Mad Dogg said Pan Holdings, a Massachusetts-bas

adidas and Foot Locker Unveil Graffiti Collection

Adidas Originals and Foot Locker unveiled a new End to End footwear collection described as where “graffiti art and street design collide.” The collection, available exclusively at Foot Locker globally, were crafted by seven of the world's most celeb

Reebok Won’t Give Nike a ‘Free’ Ride

Nike and Reebok have co-existed somewhat peacefully on the legal front over the last 25 years despite a turbulent and very competitive fight in the 80’s over the top spot in the U.S. athletic footwear market…

American Apparel/Endeavor Merger Moves Ahead

Endeavor Acquisition Corp. said it had been advised by American Apparel that the company will post at least $30 million pro-forma EBITDA for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. Under the terms of the merger agreement, American Apparel was required t

Puma Shares Rise On PPR Takeover Rumors

Shares of Puma stock rose almost 10% last Thursday on market talk that French luxury-goods retail group PPR is in advanced talks with the sportswear manufacturer’s largest shareholder to buy its 30% stake and then make a bid for the rest. A deal would val

adidas to Consolidate Distribution in Spartanburg, SC

The adidas Group will consolidate the adidas brand’s current apparel distribution center in Hebron, Ky., a footwear distribution center in Spartanburg, S.C., Reebok’s apparel distribution center in Memphis, Tenn., and Reebok’s footwear distribution center

Nike and adidas Take Soccer Jersey Battle to Brazil

Reports out of Brazil have adidas making overtures to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to become sponsor. The CBF's current contract with rival Nike is set to expire in 2018 with adidas' bid reportedly far outpacing the current level s

Reebok Launches $30mm Running-Focused Ad Campaign

While doing battle in court, Reebok also took a swipe at Nike's “Just Do It” slogan on the street. One of the poster ads as part of its $30 million “Run Easy” campaign showing a runner in pain exclaims, “What are you just doing? Run easy.”…

Remington Sold to Cerberus for $370 Million

Remington Arms Co. Inc. has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP for $370 million. The purchase priced includes $118 million in cash as well as the assumption of $252 million of debt, including a revolving credit lin

Foot Locker to Give New Apparel Brand a Boost

In mid-April, Foot Locker will launch ZipWay, a new athletic apparel line, at 150 of its stores across the country on Friday with the brand’s new tear-away pants that feature zippered enclosure as opposed to the typical snaps…

VF Corp. Acquires TNF China Biz

VF Corporation has acquired The North Face branded business in China from its licensee, Korea-based Youngone Corporation. VF will now take over the business in China, where the company sees a potential for $40 million in revenues within five years…

Bass Pro Buys Back 13% Stake

Gaylord Entertainment Co. is selling its stake in Bass Pro Group, owner of Bass Pro Shops, back to Bass Pro for $222 million. The deal is expected to close during the second quarter. Gaylord Entertainment, a public company that is traded on New York Stock

Nike Cuts Ties with Trek

Nike plans to drop most of its cycling apparel and footwear line for consumers as it narrows its focus to outfitting cycling teams and Nike-endorsed athletes. Nike's seven-year relationship with Trek Bicycle Corp., which produces clothing and shoes f