SGB Update Outdoor
GoPro, Inc. Retains Houlihan Lokey to Pursue Strategic Alternatives, Including Sale
The global investment bank with strong ties into defense and consumer sectors is expected to serve as its financial advisor as the company evaluates a potential sale and other strategic alternatives.
La Sportiva Appoints New Reps for Southwest Region
La Sportiva welcomed Coldstream Sales, led Adam Selby, as its new sales representative in the Southwest.
Bogner Appoints Arne Freundt as CEO
German luxury apparel and skiwear brand Bogner has appointed Arne Freundt, former CEO at Puma, as its new chief executive officer, effective June 1. The appointment follows the acquisition last September of a 60 percent stake in Bogner by Katjes Quiet Luxury GmbH, the investment subsidiary of German-based Katjes International GmbH & Co.
FDRA: Footwear Inflation Accelerates Further in April
U.S. Retail footwear prices rose 4.2 percent year over year (YoY) in April, accelerating from a spike of 2.4 percent seen in March, according to the latest data from the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA).
GoPro is Latest to Explore Strategic Alternatives, Sees Q1 Top-Line Fall 26 Percent
The review announced Monday follows GoPro’s recent engagement of Oliver Wyman, a global leader in defense‑sector consulting, to support the company’s expansion into the defense and aerospace markets. Since that engagement, Go Pro said it has received several unsolicited inbound strategic inquiries.
Titanium Bike Brand Lynskey Files for Bankruptcy
U.S titanium bike brand Lynskey Performance Products filed for bankruptcy protection with a plan to restructure its debts and stabilize the business under court supervision. Unsecured creditors in the case included major cycling component companies such as FSA (Full Speed Ahead), owed $162,000; and SRAM, $108,000
OR and Surf Expo Owner Sold to Apollo Funds, Will Merge with Questex in Go-Private Deal
Apollo appears to have bigger plans for Emerald as the company entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald along with Questex, LLC with the intention to combine the businesses and create a leading North American B2B experiential events and media platform, in an all-cash transaction.
Costco’s April Comps Climb 11.6 Percent, Digital-Enabled Sales Gain 18.8 Percent
Costco Wholesale Corp. reported sales of $23.92 billion for the month of April, up 13.0 percent from $21.18 billion last year. For the first 35 weeks, sales were $197.18 billion, an increase of 9.5 percent.
NRF: Import Volumes Face Early-Fall Slide on Cautious Orders
Import volume at major U.S. container ports is expected to remain below last year’s levels into early fall despite a skewed year-over-year bump in May and June, according to the Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Johnson Outdoors Sees Fiscal Q2 Earnings Surge as Fishing Category Dominates
Fishing revenue increased 18 percent mainly due to improved trade conditions, a stronger competitive position in the market, and pricing. Camping & Watercraft Recreation sales were up 1 percent, primarily due to increased e-commerce sales.
Malibu Boats’ Fiscal Q3 Sales Increase Due to Saxdor Yachts Acquisition
Malibu Boats, Inc. reported sales increased 3.1 percent in the fiscal third quarter ended March 31 as revenues from the acquisition of Saxdor Yachts offset lower volumes across its three existing segments, resulting primarily from lower wholesale shipments. Revenue and adjusted EBITDA each exceeded the high end of the guidance on a legacy basis.
Fox Factory Q1 Hampered by Tariffs, Inventory Destocking in IBD Channel
Fox Factory Holding Corp.’s first-quarter adjusted earnings declined but arrived at the higher end of company guidance. Sales were up 3.9 percent, boosted by a 17.4 percent jump in Powered Vehicles Group. Sales in its Aftermarket Applications Group improved 2.9 percent, but dropped 8.7 percent in its Specialty Sports Group due to distributor and dealer inventory destocking and tough year-ago comparisons.
Black Diamond Parent Reveals Plan to Explore Sale
The company’s board of directors has initiated a review of strategic alternatives, including a sale of all or part of the business. The move comes as the parent of Black Diamond and of several vehicle-based outdoor and overlanding brands reduced its guidance for the year while reporting first-quarter results.
Marine Products Corp. Posts Loss on Merger Costs, Sales Jump 16 Percent
Marine Products Corp. reported a loss in its first quarter ended March 31 due to $5.0 million in costs tied to its pending merger with MasterCraft and . Sales grew 13 percent in the quarter due to pricing actions and favorable mix.
MasterCraft’s Adjusted Profits Soar 44 Percent in Fiscal Q3
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc., which has reached an agreement to merge with Marine Products Corp., reported earnings in the fiscal third quarter ended March 29 that easily topped expectations due to 3 percent sales growth and cost controls. The manufacturer of sport and pontoon boats raised its outlook for the year.
