Malibu Boats Acquires Saxdor Yachts
Malibu Boats, Inc. has acquired Saxdor Yachts, a maker of adventure dayboats based in Helsinki, Finland, for approximately €150 million ($175 mm), or roughly 7.2x estimated EBITDA for the twelve months ending March 31, 2026.
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in February
Consumer confidence edged higher in February but remained below the heights reached in late 2024, a monthly survey from The Conference Board reported. Dana M Peterson, chief economist, The Conference Board, said, “Confidence ticked up in February after falling in January, as consumers’ pessimistic expectations for the future eased somewhat.”
Lululemon Founder Chip Wilson Updates Shareholders on Board Campaign
The founder of Lululemon, and one of Lululemon’s largest shareholders, and also a Board member and significant shareholder of Amer Sports, Inc., is updating his communication with Lululemon shareholders regarding the LULU Board of Directors proxy fight over new Board nomination candidates.
Escalade Sees Q4 Profits Climb 37 Percent, Shifts to Prioritize Growth in 2026
Escalade, Inc. reported profits improved 37 percent in the fourth quarter as higher gross margins offset a 2.2 percent decline in sales. For 2026, Escalade plans to refocus on driving growth, marked by the recent additions of AllCornhole and Gold Tip Archery, as well as the purchase of a 110,000-square-foot facility to support its safety and fitness categories.
Xponential Fitness Posts Q4 Loss, Sales Flat
The operator of fitness boutiques, includijng Club Pilates and YogaSix, Pure Barre, and BFT, recorded a steep loss and a decline in adjusted EBITDA of 25.6 percent in the fourth quarter on flattish sales.
Fox Factory’s Diamond Sports and Bike Sales Decline in Fourth Quarter
Fox Factory Holding Corp.’s earnings declined in the fourth quarter but reached the high end of guidance. Sales grew 2.3 percent, as gains in its Powered Vehicles and Aftermarket Applications segments offset a 5 percent drop in Specialty Sports, driven by declines in both diamond sports products and bike products. The company announced Phase 2 of its profit optimization plan, targeting $40 million in savings.
Replay Sports Cards Opens First Store in Indiana
Replay Sports Cards opened its first store in Seymour, IN. The location also marks Replay’s first franchisee-owned store, following the opening of three corporate locations.
Gildan Activewear Ushers in a New Era with HanesBrands Boosting Q4 Top-Line
Adjusting for restructuring and acquisition-related costs as well as the inventory fair value step-up charge recorded as part of the HanesBrands acquisition, and costs related to the proxy contest and leadership changes and related matters, Q4 Adjusted operating income was $223 million, up $48 million y/y, or 20.7 percent of net sales.
Sarsilmaz Arms Expands Western U.S. Sales Representation
Sarsilmaz Arms, a global manufacturer in the defense and firearms industry , has contracted with Maschmedt & Associates as its sales agency of record serving the Western U.S.
Range USA to Open Three New Stores in 2026
The nationwide operator of indoor gun ranges and a firearms retailer, plans to open three new stores in 2026, creating over 100 full- and part-time jobs. The expansion includes store openings in Smyrna, Tennessee; Monroeville, Pennsylvania; and Lenexa, Kansas.
Team Dealers Indicted for Bid-Rigging Scheme in Mississippi
A federal grand jury on February 11 indicted three individuals working at team dealers in Mississippi — including Jerry Lavender and Jon Burt of Sports Specialty, Inc., in Columbus and Jay Purvis of George’s Sporting Goods in Laurel — for a bid-rigging conspiracy involving the sale of sports equipment to public schools in Mississippi, according to a press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).’’’
Urban Outfitters Delivers Record Q4 Profits, Retail Comps Leap 5.5 Percent
Urban Outfitters, Inc. reported record fourth-quarter results, with adjusted earnings growing 33.0 percent, driven by strength across the Retail, Subscription, and Wholesale segments. Comparable Retail segment sales increased 5.5 percent with growth of 9.6 percent at Urban Outfitters, 5.2 percent at Free People and 3.7 percent at Anthropologie.
Grid Secures Investment to Expand Gym Locker and Flooring Business
The Dallas, TX-based maker of gym lockers and sports flooring has secured a strategic investment from private-equity firm Topspin Consumer Partners. Founded in 2020, Grid reports that its clients include national fitness chains such as Crunch Fitness, EōS Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and VASA Fitness, as well as YMCA, college, and K-12 athletic programs.
True Movement Tech Appoints Managing Director of Mancino Mats
True Movement Tech has appointed Stephen Cook as managing director of Mancino Mats, the maker of gym safety padding. He previously served as director of sales and marketing for AAI/Spalding.
Tonal Appoints CEO
Smart home gym equipment maker Tonal hired Todd Bartee, a partner at private-equity firm L Catterton, as its new CEO. He succeeds Darren MacDonald as part of the planned leadership transition.
