Billabong International Limited has acquired Sector 9, a Southern California-based skateboard brand. Sector 9 was founded in 1994 with a focus on the design and manufacture of skate longboards.
“Sector 9s products, primarily its longboards, really differentiate it from other brands in the boardsports channel and have appeal to surfers, skateboarders and the broader youth market,” said Billabong CEO Derek ONeill. “The company has not only proved the viability of the longboard segment, it has experienced sustained growth over the past decade and has become synonymous with the California boardsport lifestyle.”
Co-founders and owners Steve Lake and Dennis Telfer and co-owner Dave Klimkiewicz are being retained as part of the acquisition in their current roles. Lake, Sector 9s president, said he was excited by the prospect of teaming with a boardsports industry leader.
“While Sector 9 continues to maintain solid growth in the US, we are most excited at the prospect of combining our brands growing international awareness with Billabongs proven global distribution network,” said Lake.
Paul Naude, head of Billabongs North American operation said, “Sector 9s innovative skateboard design has positioned the company as the market leader in this hardgoods niche and makes them a great addition to our strong portfolio of boardsports brands.”
The purchase of Sector 9 includes its Gullwing skateboard trucks brand. The bulk of Sector 9s revenues are generated by skateboard and associated hardgoods sales, while apparel is a small but emerging category.
Sector 9 operates a vertical business model, with its primary design, manufacturing and distribution all based in San Diego. Sector 9 is expected to contribute approximately 2% to Billabong International Limiteds sales in the 2008-09 financial year. The acquisition is expected to be earnings per share accretive in year one.
