SGB Update Footwear
Compass Diversified Receives $75.2 Million Equity Investment
The owner of Velocity Outdoor, BOA, Primaloft, 5.11, and other active lifestyle brands, reported that it had completed a private placement of approximately 3.6 million of its common shares to a mutual fund managed by Allspring Global Investments to raise $75.2 million.
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Chief Supply Chain Officer; Jim Zwiers to Exit
Bishu Jayaram was appointed to the newly-created role of chief supply chain officer, responsible for global sourcing, distribution, logistics, and integrated planning. Jim Zwiers, EVP and president of the Global Operations Group, will transition away from the company in early 2024.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises to 5-Month High in December
The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 110.7 million in December, up from a downwardly revised 101.0 in November in an indication that concerns about a recession in the U.S. are lessening. The Index improved for the third consecutive month, reaching its highest level since July.
Authentic Partners with Former Boardriders Execs to Manage Japan, Taiwan
BRJ Group, led by Sammy Yoo, a 13-year veteran of the Boardriders’ portfolio, will operate business in Japan and Taiwan, which includes the Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element and Von Zipper brands.
Liberated Brands Gets Nod from Authentic to Manage Boardriders Brands Down Under
Authentic expanded its partnership with Liberated Brands to build the Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, VonZipper, Honolua, and other businesses in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Kohl’s Expands Board of Directors to 13 Members with Latest Appointment
Wendy C. Arlin, who, most recently, was the CFO for Bath & Body Works, Inc., reportedly brings more than three decades of experience in corporate finance, financial reporting, oversight and accounting, with deep expertise in the consumer industry.
Frasers Group Acquires Matches
Frasers Group, the parent of Sports Direct, agreed to acquire luxury e-tailer Matchesfashion, recently renamed Matches, for £52 million ($63 million).
PrimaLoft Promotes Cavassa to CEO, Joyce to Retire
Compass Diversified appointed Anne Cavassa as CEO of its subsidiary, PrimaLoft Inc., effective January 1, 2024. This move follows Cavassa’s recent appointment as president and as former president and CEO, Mike Joyce, steps into retirement at year end.
Salewa Adds Indie Sales Agency for Pacific Northwest
Salewa hired Katie Borgen and her company, Skadi Collective, to represent the brand in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska).
SFIA names Chief Operating Officer
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association hired Glenn Horine as chief operating officer, effective January 1, 2024, reporting to SFIA president and CEO Tom Cove.
Asics Sells Haglöfs to PE Firm
Asics reported that it sold Swedish outdoor brand Haglöfs AB to the Hong Kong fund LionRock Capital, which acquired 100 percent interest in the company. Terms were not disclosed.
Nordstrom Rack to Open Store in Omaha
Nordstrom announced plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Omaha, NB in fall 2024, representing the company’s first store of any kind in Nebraska.
Crocs Adds Two Board Members
Crocs, Inc. appointed John Replogle and Neeraj Tolmare to its board of directors, effective January 1, 2024. The footwear maker said the appointees “bring new skill sets and extensive brand-building experience in consumer-facing businesses to the Crocs board.”
Golden Goose Aims to Raise $1.1 Million in IPO
Golden Goose is seeking to raise about €1 billion ($1.1 billion) from an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in Milan.
VF Corp. Data Breach Impacting Ability to Ship Orders
The company detected a cybersecurity breach in its systems on December 13 that is “reasonably likely to continue to have a material impact on the company’s business operations,” including its ability to fulfill online orders.
