M&A Insights: 4 Traits That Buyers Seek In Targets
Look for M&A to continue at a rapid pace in 2018, as companies like VF Corp. and others look to add valuable assets to their portfolio. But what are buyers looking for?
College Basketball Scandal Spreads To Kansas And NC State
Kansas and North Carolina State have joined Louisville and Miami (Fla.) in the FBI’s ongoing probe into corruption in college basketball as federal prosecutors in New York added additional criminal counts to the indictment of former Adidas executive Jim Gatto.
Adidas And Vans Winning With Teens
Adidas, Vans, Supreme, Champion and Lululemon all saw a strong uptick in mindshare among teens in Piper Jaffray’s 35th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey. Nike, Converse and Under Armour all lost ground.
Carving A Niche: Behind Elan’s U.S. Growth Strategy
After doubling the company’s alpine ski sales in the U.S. over the last five years, Elan Skis is now doubling down on that recent success with the creation of Elan Sports USA.
Nike Continues Tech-Buying Binge
The acquisition of Invertex promises to move Nike further down the road of being able to offer more personalization and customization to consumers while addressing the complexities of finding the correct shoe size online.
Pentland COO Talks Endura Acquisition, M&A Strategy
Pentland has big plans for its newest asset Endura – the company plans to accelerate the cycling apparel brand’s growth around the world. “We’ve got really big international aspirations,” COO Chirag Patel told SGB Executive in a Q&A about the Endura deal and Pentland’s M&A overall strategy.
REI Sees Modest Profit Gain in 2017, Sets New Sustainability Standards For Vendors
REI reported a 3.1 percent gain in operating earnings in 2017 on improving gross margins and record sales. The co-op also ramped up sustainability efforts by announcing new rigorous standards that will impact every brand the co-op sells.
Where And When Will The Trade War End?
President Trump this week threatened additional tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting sharp criticism from outdoor and sporting goods brands that might not be directly impacted but generally view trade wars as “so last generation,” according to Jeff Turner of Kokatat.
What Can JD Sports Bring To U.S. Sneaker Retailing?
While British retailers generally have a poor track record finding success in the U.S. retail marketplace, JD has the potential to create a strong number two beyond Foot Locker in U.S. sneaker retailing with its pending acquisition of Finish Line. That’s at least according to a few analysts in the U.K. who closely follow JD.
Retail 10-K Round-Up For 2017
A scan of just-released 10-K filings shows Under Armour’s sales fell sharply at both Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hibbett Sports in 2017, Adidas rebounded at Hibbett, Nike continued to dominate open-to-buys for Foot Locker and more insights into vendor allocations.
Aisle Talk Week Of April 2
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Newell Brands’ Proxy Fight Still A Go
Believing the company’s recent partnership with famed billionaire investor Carl Icahn will be enough to fix the company, activist investor Starboard Value LP said it has no plans to drop its proxy fight against Newell Brands.
Nike Admits To Diversity Shortcomings
Coming a few weeks after allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior led to changes in the executive ranks, Nike Inc. in a memo to employees admitted to shortfalls in hiring and promoting more women and minorities to senior-level positions.
March M&A Roundup
SGB Executive analyzes the month’s top sports, outdoor & lifestyle brand M&A deals, including JD Sports’ acquisition of Finish Line.
Good News On Tariff Front For Apparel, Footwear, Outdoors Industries
Apparel, footwear and outdoors products weren’t caught directly in the crosshairs of the escalating trade war with China on Wednesday, allowing those industries to take a “deep sigh of relief,” said Matt Priest, president and CEO of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America.
