SGB Update

Preferential Trade Programs Could Expire Dec. 31

The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation last week to extend by one year the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Andean Trade Preferences Act (ATPA) programs. It is now up to the Senate to pass the legislation before both expire

Rossignol Expects FY09 Profit Despite Rocky Start

In a somewhat surprising move, the previously-maligned Rossignol brand said it expects to be profitable in the fiscal year ending in March thanks to cost cutting and good snow, CEO Bruno Cercley told several sources during the grand opening of the company

Nike, Inc. Sees Improving Backlog Trends

Four was the magic number for Nike, Inc. for the company’s second fiscal quarter as total net sales, currency-neutral sales, Nike brand sales, net income and SG&A all fell 4.0% for the period, while overall futures were up 4% at quarter-end. The co

Quiksilver Q4 Top Line Slides; Brand to Refocus on Core Markets

Following up on a third fiscal quarter that saw it post a small profit despite weakness in all three geographic regions, Quiksilver, Inc. reported a bottom-line loss for the fourth fiscal quarter ended October 31 that was seen as better-than-expected…

Essilor Acquires FGX International Holdings

French ophthalmic-lens giant Essilor International plans to acquire FGX International Holdings, the Smithfield, RI-based owner of Foster Grant, Gargoyles, Ironman, Champion and Body Glove sunglasses…

Delta Acquires Custom Clothing Biz

Delta Apparel Inc has agreed to buy graphics apparel business Art Gun Technologies, LLC in a move that takes it into the customized apparel market for the first time. Through its “virtual art studio,” DLA said Art Gun provides shoppers the ability to desi

Advanced Sports Acquires Oval Concepts

Advanced Sports, Inc., which owns Kestrel, Breezer, Fuji and other bike brands, is buying the cycling components company Oval Concepts. ASI said it has purchased the Oval Concepts brand, trademarks and tooling and has entered into a license agreement for

Gramicci Finds Growth Partner in Haggar

Haggar Clothing Co., the men's dress and casual apparel giant, has secured the master license agreement for the Gramicci brand. The current Gramicci team will continue to operate the business under a licensed agreement but is expected to benefit from

True Temper Completes Restructuring

True Temper Sports, Inc. completed its financial restructuring plan in bankruptcy proceedings. An investor group led by Newport Global Advisors and Providence Equity Partners joined together to acquire a majority equity interest in the golf shafts and per

Amer Won’t Sell Mavic Cycling Business

Amer Sports has decided to keep France-based bicycle component unit Mavic. Amer had announced in September it was mulling “strategic alternatives” with respect to Mavic…

SGMA Launches New Trade Association for Fitness Market

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) has created the Association of Fitness Industry Retailers & Manufacturers (AFIRM) to cater to the government affairs, educational and market research needs of fitness industry manufacturers and retailers

Duties on Some Outdoor Footwear Poised to Skyrocket Dec. 31

Makers of certain types of waterproof, breathable outdoor footwear were warned to brace for a huge increase in duties last week after it appeared an agreement to pass a miscellaneous tariff bill (MTB) through Congress collapsed…

Preferential Trade Programs Could Expire Dec. 31

The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation last week to extend by one year the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Andean Trade Preferences Act (ATPA) programs. It is now up to the Senate to pass the legislation before both expire

Rossignol Expects Annual Profit Despite Rocky Start

In a somewhat surprising move, management for the previously-maligned Rossignol brand said they expect to be profitable in the fiscal year ending in March thanks to cost cutting and good snow, CEO Bruno Cercley told several sources during the grand openin