SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Footaction Debuts ‘Uncover’ Featuring Jonathan Mannion And Freddie Gibbs
Footaction teamed up with photographer Jonathan Mannion and recording artist Freddie Gibbs to debut a new content franchise, “UNCOVER Presented by Footaction.” The conversation, hosted by radio personality Mando Fresko, focused on how lifestyle and culture intersect.
February Retail Sales Increase 4.4 Percent Over Last Year
February retail sales increased 0.3 percent seasonally adjusted over January and 4.4 percent year-over-year as the economy continued to grow, the National Retail Federation said. Sporting goods stores were down 3.4 percent year-over-year but up 2.2 percent from January seasonally adjusted.
Newell Brands Independent Directors Issue Open Letter To Shareholders
Newell Brands mailed a letter to shareholders from the independent members of its Board of Directors detailing their perspective on the upcoming proxy contest with Martin Franklin and his affiliates, under the banner of Starboard Value, LP.

Adidas Lifts Profitability Target After Robust 2017
Adidas AG reported revenue growth accelerated in the fourth quarter, led by China and North America, prompting the company to upgrade its profitability target for 2020.

VF Corp. To Acquire Altra
VF Corp. signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the Altra footwear brand from Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.
Adidas Initiates Multi-Year Stock Buyback Program
With the approval of the Supervisory Board, the Executive Board of Adidas AG has decided to launch a multi-year share buyback program of up to €3.0 billion ($3.7 bn) in total until May 11, 2021.

Outdoor Voices Secures More Funding
Outdoor Voices, the women’s fitness apparel startup, has raised $34 million in a series C round, according to a regulatory filing.
Powerade Relaunches Platform For March Madness
The new campaign, “That’s Some Kind of Power,” will debut during the First Four March Madness games.
2nd Chance Sports Appoints Anthony Sica As President
2nd Chance Sports, a non-profit organization that donates gently used and new sporting equipment to children in need throughout the New York City area, has appointed Anthony Sica as president.

Fitbit Launches Fitbit For Kids
Fitbit introduced Fitbit Ace, an activity tracker that makes fitness fun for kids while inspiring the entire family to build healthy habits together and help fight decreasing levels of activity in children.
NSGA Welcomes Speakers To Management Conference
Speakers will include Michigan State University basketball coach Tom Izzo, Beth Porreca of USA Football, David James of Major League Baseball. The conference will also include a number of sessions focusing on how to compete with Amazon.
12 ReTech Acquires E-motion Apparel
12 ReTech Corporation has acquired E-motion Apparel, Inc. in a stock for stock transaction between 12 ReTech and Hubert (Hub) Blanchette, the owner and CEO of the company. E-motion Apparel owns several brands including E-motion Apparel, Lexi-Luu Dancewear, Punkz Gear and Skipjack.

Dick’s Q4 Earnings Arrive At Upper End Of Guidance
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported earnings fell 13.8 percent before non-recurring charges in the fourth quarter, to $127.3 million, or $1.22 a share, but came in at the top of guidance. Same-store sales slid 2.0 percent, in line with guidance. Earnings for 2018 were guided to be flat to down 7 percent.
Former Newell Director Indicates Support For Starboard’s Efforts In Public Statement
Starboard Value LP, the hedge fund seeking to replace Newell Brands’ board, commented on the public support for Starboard’s efforts provided by Kevin Conroy – the 5th director to resign from Newell’s Board of Directors since late January.
Hoka One One Partners With OutsidePR
Hoka One One, a division of Deckers Brands, has tabbed Sausalito-based OutsidePR to represent the brand.