SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
EXEC: Frasers Group Moves to Takeover Accent Group Down Under
The deal will give full control of the Accent Group business to Frasers Group, including over 900 retail stores and exclusive ANZ distribution rights for a range of large footwear brands including the Hoka, Merrell, Saucony, Skechers, Timberland, Ugg, and Vans brands.
EXEC: Cannondale to Close Dutch Factory in 2027
Pon.Bike, the bicycle division of Pon Holdings, is closing its dedicated Cannondale European assembly factory in Almelo, the Netherlands, and relocating production to existing facilities in Germany and Lithuania. The closure affects 120 employees and is set to occur by the end of 2027.
EXEC: Pinterest Calls Out Sports Lifestyle as Hot Summer Trend
Pinterest’s Summer 2026 Trend Report found sports lifestyle to be trending strongly and often virally this year, with searches on Pinterest spiking for hybrid sneakers, windbreakers & tracksuits, team jerseys and retro sunglasses. The social media platform also explored how sports are “moving from a spectator moment to an entire aesthetic, vibe and identity,” including increasingly influencing everything from hair styling to make-up and food choices.
EXEC: Eagle Nice Talks Tariff Impact on Asia Apparel Manufacturing
The key apparel manufacturing partner for Nike, The North Face, Puma, Lululemon, Columbia, and Converse said the China-U.S. trade war escalated as the U.S. government introduced tariffs in the first quarter of the year against certain Southeast Asian countries where the Group’s production bases are located.
EXEC: Adidas AG Earns RBC Stock Upgrade on Market Share Recovery
Adidas AG was upgraded to “Outperform” from RBC Capital Markets, as the brand has regained “modest” market share in footwear and apparel over the last two years and is well-positioned to capture significantly more.
Fujikura Composites Moves to Larger, Upgraded U.S. Headquarters
Fujikura, the Japan-based golf shaft maker, moved into larger U.S. headquarters in Carlsbad, California to accommodate advancements in research and development, growth in personnel and greater warehouse capacity.
EXEC: RBC Capital is Latest to Downgrade Nike Stock
RBC Capital downgraded Nike to “Sector Perform” from “Outperform” as analysts at the Toronto-based investment firm see the turnaround under Elliott Hill making progress, but “slower and narrower” than anticipated.
EXEC: Sports Direct Parent Launches Takeover Bid for Hugo Boss
Frasers Group, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, launched a €2 billion ($2.31 billion) takeover offer for German fashion brand Hugo Boss AG.
EXEC: Footasylum’s Chief Financial Officer Departs
U.K.-based Footasylum reported that it has parted ways with Nick Scott, its chief financial officer, after three years in the role.
EXEC: Asics to Spin Off Onitsuka Tiger
Asics Corp. plans to spin off its Onitsuka Tiger lifestyle footwear business, which has undergone a resurgence in recent years amid moves to better position itself as a luxury lifestyle label and strong demand for retro sneakers.
Intersport Adds Fourth Member to Executive Management Team
Switzerland’s Intersport International Corporation GmbH has promoted Stephan Schwarz to the new role of chief strategic brands partnership officer (CSBPO) and added Schwarz to its executive team.
EXEC: Two More Elite Runners Sue Puma Over Allegedly Defective Carbon Running Shoes
A month after U.S. track star Abby Steiner sued Puma over career-ending injuries allegedly tied to its carbon-plated shoes, two more elite sprinters, U.S. world champion sprinter Champion Allison and Jamaican Olympian Damion Thomas, filed lawsuits with similar allegations.
EXEC: Keds, Topo Athletic, and Jessica Drive Brand Portfolio at DBI; DSW Comes in Flat
A double-digit increase in the Brand Portfolio segment was driven by 30+ percent growth from Topo Athletic, Keds and Jessica Simpson. DSW saw softness in the Casual and Athletic categories as consumers shifted back towards Fashion and occasion-based products following several years of elevated demand in Casual and Athletic.
EXEC: Academy Returns to Positive Comps, Sees Gas Prices Restraining FY Spend
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. slightly raised its FY outlook after reporting its first same-store gain in three quarters on strength in shooting and fishing categories, but CEO Steve Lawrence still cautioned that elevated gas prices will weigh on consumer spending for the year. Lawrence told analysts on a call, “Gas prices definitely are a headwind for the American consumer.”
EXEC: Footwear Executive Survey Shows Business Optimism Slipping
The 14th Edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey found footwear executives were generally upbeat about business prospects but slightly less so than the prior survey taken last fall. Geographically, respondents in Europe are substantially less optimistic than those in other continents amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, but generally positive opinions prevail everywhere.
