INA-GVS acquires World Industries and Flameboy vs. Wet Willy brands

KENT, WA — SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 — INA International and its wholly owned subsidiary, Golden Viking Sports, have together announced the acquisition of  the assets and trademarks of the World Industries skateboard brand from  CA-based Seven Wells LLC. World Industries’ brands include World and  Flameboy vs. Wet Willy. Golden Viking Sports will handle sales and distribution of the brands in the United States. The transaction was finalized on August 10, 2014, and financial details were not disclosed.

World Industries is a global, authentic action sports lifestyle brand and its premium product range includes skate, snow and watersports hardgoods, apparel, accessories and footwear. The World brand targets 10- to 18-year-old young men who embrace the skateboarding lifestyle and culture. The Flameboy vs. Wet Willy brand focuses on aspiring male skateboarders ages 4 to 11.

Going forward, Golden Viking Sports will continue to aggressively build on the business that World Industries created, and will re-launch the World and Flameboy vs. Wet Willy brands in the core footwear category in Spring 2015. Other products will follow soon thereafter. U.S. distribution for the World Industries labels will include the family footwear channel as well as select sports specialty stores and online retailers.

“Golden Viking Sports is excited to offer these authentic, heritage skate brands to the U.S. market, and we are ready to expand our presence in the action sports performance and lifestyle categories,” says Bill Nuttall, Vice President of Golden Viking Sports. “World Industries is a great addition to the many INA brands and licenses that Golden Viking Sports distributes.”

“Since 2005 i.e. distribution has shepherded the World Industries and Flameboy vs. Wet Willy brands, reaching global retail sales in the $100,000,000 range. We have enjoyed some amazing times with the youth centered brand and are extremely excited to pass these historic actions sports companies over to Golden Viking Sports. The two brands are a great addition to their well known assortment.” says Ira Leibowitz, CEO i.e. distribution.
 
About Golden Viking Sports

Golden Viking Sports is headquartered in Kent, WA. In its role as a sporting goods distribution and marketing company, GVS is driven by innovation and a passion for sport. GVS’ distribution in the USA market encompasses 10 brands that together span five categories.
 
About INA International

INA International is a division of Canada-based FGL Sports Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Tire Corp.


By press release