
PwC’s 2025 M&A Outlook Sees Arrows Pointing Up for Deal Flow
PwC’s analysis of PitchBook Data, Inc., found that several thousand PE exits were delayed over the past two years. The company said some of these exits are more likely to happen now that more certainty has returned to the market — meaning more potential targets for corporate acquirers.

Recall: Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action Travel Mugs
Stanley has received 91 reports worldwide, including 16 in the U.S., of the recalled travel mugs’ lids detaching during use, resulting in 38 burn injuries worldwide, including two burn injuries in the U.S.

Lancer Systems Appoints Familiar Face as LE/MIL Sales Manager
Charles Vlasek returns to the company as LE/MIL sales manager, focused on driving the company’s growth in law enforcement and military partnerships.

Celerant Technologies Appoints Michele Salerno Chief Growth Officer
Celerant Technology promoted Michele Salerno to the newly created position of chief growth officer. Salerno is now responsible for strategic partnership development, market expansion and revenue acceleration to drive sustainable business growth.

Costco Says Consumer is Healthy as it Reports 7.5 Percent Q1 Sales Growth
The commentary surrounding the fiscal 2025 first quarter results for Costco Wholesale Corporation ranged from “mixed” to “beats” to “strong” on Thursday, December 12 after the retail warehouse giant posted its operating results for the twelve weeks ended November 24.

EXEC: Inside Under Armour’s First Investor Day in Six Years
CEO Kevin Plank underlined the brand’s underdog positioning and attitude by describing the company as a “$5 billion start up.” Senior executives provided an in-depth qualitative overview of the company’s product, brand, and commercial strategies and other key initiatives being executed.

Banshee Brands Appoints Chief Operating Officer
With over two decades of executive leadership and operational expertise, Dave Barrera will lead strategic initiatives to strengthen the company’s foundation and support the continued growth of Retay USA and Breda AG.

Under Armour Celebrates Flagship Brand House Opening at New Baltimore HQ
Under Armour hosted a community event this past weekend to mark the official grand opening of its UA Flagship Brand House at Baltimore Peninsula.

EXEC: Far Bank Evolves European Distribution with UK-Based Guide Flyfishing
Guide Flyfishing will be taking over Scandinavian distribution responsibilities effective January 1, 2025, and throughout the Republic of Ireland beginning February 1, 2025.

Axil Brands and NASCAR Renew Product License Agreement Through 2027
Axil will produce and sell NASCAR-branded earbuds, earmuffs, hearing devices, ear plugs, and outdoor speakers through NASCAR venues and distribution channels across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, as well as U.S. military bases worldwide.

EXEC: Sportsman’s Warehouse Beats Q3 Estimates; Raises Full Year Guidance
The retailer is one of the few beating estimates on the top- and bottom-line in Q3, surpassing revenue estimates by nearly $24 million and beating EPS estimates by 6 cents a share in the period. The results sent SPWH shares up in after-hours trading.

EXEC: Academy Execs Talk Q3 Results, Q4 Hopes and 2025 Initiatives, Including Big Nike Boost
The plan to expand the Nike busineess, along with a number of other key brand initiatives, is to launch in April with full assortments of men’s, women’s, and kids’ across footwear, apparel, and accessories along with a strong statement of sporting goods.
Academy Sports and Outdoors Narrows Full Year Outlook as Fiscal Q3 Comes Up Short
The retailer arrowed its fiscal 2024 guidance to net sales of $5.895 billion to $5.940 billion from previous guidance of $6.075 billion on the high side and missing Wall Street’s third quarter sales estimates.

CNBC/NRF: Retail Monitor Reinforces Online Shopping Strength in November
In today’s CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor report, the retail sales bounce back in October continued a moderate trend into November even as two of the holiday season’s busiest shopping days rolled over into December.

DSW Parent Slashes Full Year Guide After Q3 Miss; Total Comps Fall 3.1 Percent
DBI reported fiscal third quarter net sales decreased 1.2 percent year-over-year to $777.2 million in the 13-week period ended November 7, short of the $802.14 million expected on Wall Street.