SG Footwear has acquired all the assets, trademarks, and registrations of the Rugged Shark brand from Gordon Brothers LLC. Rugged Shark, a marine and fishing footwear brand, was founded in 2001. Terms were not disclosed.
The footwear is best known for its technical and comfort features targeting a core demographic group of men ages 25 to 55.
“The acquisition of the Rugged Shark brand adds tremendous equity to our stable of brands with expansion into new channels of distribution,” commented Bernard Leifer, President & CEO, SG Footwear. “In addition to immediate growth potential to the boating and fishing enthusiasts, Rugged Shark will be positioned as a lifestyle brand offering significant brand expansion opportunities.”
The branded line of Rugged Shark footwear will be available initially at marine specialty stores, outdoor & sporting goods retailers. Short term goals include expansion into department stores and footwear specialty retailers with a focus on lifestyle positioning of the brand. Rugged Shark footwear has several celebrity programs with nationally known professional fisherman and is endorsed by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).
Included in the acquisition were technical patents, which were developed and trademarked for performance and comfort. The Shark Aquaire system expels water allowing the footbed to dry quickly. The Shark Grip, is a non-marking, non-slip bottom with rubber traction grids. In addition, various insole technologies are used with breathable, anti-bacterial and moisture absorbing features.
Established in 1896, SG Footwear, (www.sgfootwear.com), is one of the world's largest designers, producers and marketers of athletic, fashion casual and seasonal footwear. Its footwear products are sold in leading mass, mid-tier, department and specialty retail chain stores worldwide under licensed brands such as IZOD, Dockers, Perry Ellis, FIFA (World Cup) Gold Toe, Sesame Street, The Simpson’s, Ben 10 among others. In addition to footwear, SG operates SGI Apparel Group, which makes children’s apparel and owns the exclusive kids licensee for Harley-Davidson, Beatles, and Bakugan.
