Nike Acquires Data Analytics Leader Zodiac
Nike Inc. announced it has acquired Zodiac Inc., a leading consumer data analytics firm based in New York City and Philadelphia, as it accelerates its Consumer Direct Offense strategy to serve consumers faster and more personally at scale.
VF Corp. Receives National Award From The U.S. Association Of Former Members Of Congress
The Corporate Statesmanship Award recognizes outstanding corporate leadership and citizenship, including companies that exemplify service and commitment to improving the lives of others.
3N2 Signs Philadelphia Phillies’ Aaron Nola
Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher Aaron Nola signed an endorsement deal with baseball apparel and footwear company 3N2.
Yue Yuen’s 2017 Earnings Dip
Yue Yuen Industrial (Holdings) Limited reported earnings in the year were slightly down despite a 7.6 percent gain in sales.
Finish Line Sees Q4 EPS At Top End Of Guidance
The Finish Line Inc. pre-announced fourth quarter results that showed earnings coming in ahead of guidance while same-store sales arrived below guidance.

JD Sports Agrees To Acquire The Finish Line
The Finish Line, Inc. announced that it has entered into a merger agreement providing for JD Sports Fashion Plc (JD.L) to acquire 100 percent of the issued and outstanding Finish Line shares at a price of $13.50 per share in cash representing an aggregate deal value of approximately $558 million.

Aisle Talk, Week of March 19
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.

Nike Eyes North American Comeback
Aided by a strong response to new launches such as Nike React and Airmax 270, continued momentum in online sales and early success in pushing for further differentiation at its retail partners, Nike Inc. said its North America business is poised to return to growth mode.
Brooks Announces Sponsorship Of Two Special Olympics Athletes
Brooks Running Company announced the sponsorship of two Special Olympics athletes, Andy Bryant and Colleen Bryant.
Boardriders Reaffirms Billabong Acquisition Is Best Value for Shareholders
Boardriders, Inc., the parent of Quiksilver, Roxy, and DC Shoes brands, reaffirmed that its proposed acquisition of Billabong International Limited is in the best interest of all shareholders.
Li Ning 2017 Sales Climb 11 Percent
Li Ning reported earnings from continuing operations nearly doubled in 2017 on an 11 percent revenue gain.

Outdoor, Footwear, Fashion & Retail Industries Vocalize Opposition to Tariffs
It’s not China that will be punished for stealing American intellectual property but instead U.S. companies and consumers that will feel the effects of President Trump’s move to impose $50 billion in retaliatory tariffs on Chinese imports. That was the message Thursday from numerous trade associations that represent industries whose products might be affected by Thursday’s decision to move forward with the new tariffs.

Nike Seeing “Significant” North America Reversal
Nike Inc.’s earnings in its third quarter ended February 28 came in well-ahead of Wall Street guidance while sales were slightly ahead. North American sales were down 4 percent in the period but Mark Parker, president and CEO, said the company is seeing “a significant reversal of trend in North America, as momentum accelerates through the scaling of new innovation platforms and differentiated Nike Consumer Experiences expand across the marketplace.”
L.L. Bean To Open Its First Boston Store In April
Opening-day festivities will include the Red Sox World Series trophies and former star players Jim Rice, Luis Tiant and Dennis Eckersley.
Gander Outdoors Opens Locations in In Chambersburg, PA And Forest Lake, MN
Gander Outdoors, formerly known as Gander Mountain, has opened locations in Chambersburg in Pennsylvania and Forest Lake in Minnesota.