SGB Update Outdoor

Report: Investor Fervor For Scooter Rentals Dims

Bird Rides and Lime, two of the leaders in the shared electric scooters space, have reduced their fundraising ambitions due to investor concerns over durability, vandalism, regulatory hurdles and heightened competition, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Retail Jobs Grew 18,600 In November

Retail industry employment in November increased by 18,600 jobs seasonally adjusted from October, accounting for 12 percent of the 155,000-job increase reported by the Labor Department for the economy overall, the National Retail Federation said.

PeopleForBikes Approves Latest Round Of Community Grants

The PeopleForBikes Coalition board of directors approved eight grants to improve places for bikes, welcomed a trio of new board members and discussed 2019 priorities at its semi-annual meeting Nov. 29 in Boulder, CO.

Burley Provides Free Bikes To Children In Need

Burley Design,  known for itsoutdoor recreational transport gear, is sponsoring the Free Bikes for Kidz initiative in the local Eugene and Springfield community to distribute bikes to children in need.

Chinese Investor Consortium Reaches Agreement To Acquire Amer Sports

A consortium led by China’s Anta Sports made an offer to acquire Finland’s Amer Sports in a deal that values the company at €4.6 billion (US$5.23 billion) and Amer’s board is recommending shareholders approve the offer. The consortium plans to operate Amer Sports independently from Anta, with a separate board of directors.

Johnson Outdoors Sees Record Annual Results

Johnson Outdoors announced all-time high revenue and earnings for the second consecutive fiscal year. Strong marketplace demand for new products in the company’s core Fishing and Diving brands propelled an 11 percent increase in sales as operating profit grew 38 percent and net income rose 16 percent over the prior fiscal year. The seasonally slow fourth quarter net sales nearly equaled prior year results.

Vail Resorts Season Pass Sales Ahead Double-Digits

Vail Resorts widened its loss in the first quarter but noted that season pass sales through December 2, 2018 for the upcoming 2018/2019 North American ski season increased approximately 21 percent in units and 13 percent in sales dollars.

Fischer Restructures U.S. Organization

Fischer Sports GmbH, one of the world’s largest ski manufacturers, announced a restructuring of the U.S. subsidiary based in Auburn, NH effective immediately. Fischer global CEO Franz Foettinger assumes oversight of the U.S. organization in the wake of the departure of former U.S. CEO, Ryan Leach.

Amer Close To Signing Anta Merger Deal

Amer Sports is in final negotiations regarding a merger with a consortium led by China’s Anta Sports, according to reports from Reuters and Bloomberg.