Quiksilver Inc. has three offers for its struggling Rossignol division,
according to French newspaper La Tribune. Potential acquirers include
investment funds that specialize in turning around businesses,
according to La Tribune and Reuters. Possible buyers weren't named.
During its Q1 conference call in June, Quiksilver said it was “looking
at all the strategic possibilities” for Rossignols business.
“I've said before and I will say again, we are looking at all of the
strategic possibilities to accomplish this, although I can't really
comment beyond that at this time,” said Bob McKnight, Quiksilver's
chairman and CEO. “We are looking at every possible alternative
concerning the hard goods, and like I said before, everything is on the
table.”
The company paid $500 million for Rossignol in 2005 as a way to expand
beyond its mainstay apparel and footwear
businesses. Analysts expect Quiksilver
will likely sell off Rossignols skis and snowboards units and keep the
name for clothes.
