Sport event : Eddie Bauer Backs Artic Row Expedition

Eddie Bauer is outfitting a team of four Americans embarking in mid-July on a crowd-funded, non-stop, unsupported row across the Arctic Ocean that will be used to document the effects of global warming.

Sponsored through Eddie Bauer's Be First program, Paul Ridley, Collin West, Neal Mueller and Scott Mortensen will travel 1,300 miles from Inuvik, Canada to Provideniya, Russia to raise awareness of the changes in the Arctic climate. The team will navigate through frigid Arctic waters, which have only recently become passable as a result of climate change and melting sea ice. To power the 29-foot-long, six-foot wide rowboat, the team will rotate between the two rowing positions, each rowing two hours on and two hours off for 24 hours a day. The voyage is expected to take approximately 30 days to complete.

"Eddie Bauer has a long legacy of championing the untamable spirit of adventure and outfitting 'firsts.' Our  Be First program was conceived as a way to encourage others to challenge their own limits of what's possible and to accomplish what has never been done before," said Michael Egeck, president and CEO at Eddie Bauer. "We are proud to support Arctic Row in this endeavor as they not only attempt to achieve an amazing feat, but also draw awareness to the Arctic ecosystem and the threats that it faces today."

The Arctic Row expedition presents an unusual opportunity for the team to conduct scientific research with no impact on the Arctic ecosystem. Throughout the expedition, the team will record whale sightings, collect plankton samples, and monitor the salinity and temperature of the water. The recorded data will aid scientists at The University of Alaska Fairbanks and Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation to gain a better understanding of a whale's sense of smell and feeding habits in the Arctic Ocean.

"Our exploration is about human-powered imagination. As we marvel at the natural beauty of the Arctic, we are exploring how it can be conserved and protected for future generations," said Scott Mortensen of Arctic Row. "As explorers, overcoming adversity under extreme duress is part of our daily routine. So when we apply our mindset to global issues, it's exciting because the prospect to spark change is real."

Unlike traditional rowboats, the Arctic Row vessel is built with the latest in technology. The team will use a desalinator to convert 400-pounds of salt water into the 24 liters of drinking water that they will need every day. Solar panels are mounted above the cabin to power a VHF radio, GPS, a navigation system, and laptop for the team to stay in contact with followers throughout their journey. And to protect the team from the cold weather elements, they will be fully outfitted in First Ascent, Eddie Bauer's expedition-class gear and apparel that was launched in 2009.

Arctic Row 2012 is also a flag expedition of The Explorers Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space by supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences. To carry The Explorers Club flag is an honor and a privilege. It represents an impressive history of courage and accomplishment, and has been carried on hundreds of expeditions by Club members since 1918.

Eddie Bauer is inviting fans to follow Team Arctic Row as they navigate across the Arctic Ocean via their blog, Facebook or Twitter. The Artic Row expedition is attempting to raise $130,000 for the expedition thorugh Indiegogo.com, a crowd funding site for independent films, and through sponsorships. As of Wednesday, Adventure Medical Kits, Body Glide and Dematone had signe don as sponsors with Eddie Bauer.

Business news : Shock Doctor® Acquires Cutters Gloves™

Move aligns leading sports protective and performance brands and expands product offerings in several market categories

Minneapolis, MN and Phoenix, AZ -- June 25, 2012 - Shock Doctor®, the number one mouthguard company in the world and leading innovator of performance-driven sports protection gear, announced today that it has acquired Cutters Gloves. The acquisition is a highly strategic move, with Cutters position as an authentic leader in cutting edge, high-quality sports gloves, aligning perfectly with Shock Doctor’s leadership position.
“Shock Doctor brings the most innovative and highest quality technology and materials to the market across all of our product lines. Cutters shares these values and their C-TACK technology is superior to any other grip technology on the market. Cutters is a perfect addition to the Shock Doctor product portfolio and serious athletes around the world recognize Cutters Gloves as the best ” says Tony Armand, CEO, Shock Doctor.
Further Armand adds “We are very excited to own a brand that has had such strong stewardship from its founders, Jeff and Laura Beraznik. We are fortunate that both will continue to be involved in the business going forward, as we plan to continue operating both companies as business as usual.”
“We could not have asked for a better partner to take the Cutters’ business to the next level than Tony and his team at Shock Doctor,” said Jeff Beraznik of Cutters Gloves. “Their commitment to innovation and quality aligns with the vision we have always had for Cutters. Their reputation and position in the market, as well as their growing global distribution, will be a huge benefit to the brand going forward.”

 

About Shock Doctor, Inc.

www.shockdoctor.com
The number one mouthguard company in the world, Shock Doctor is the undisputed market leader in premier mouthguard technology and is known as the creator of fearless, performance-driven sports protection equipment and apparel available in 9,000 retail locations in over 50 countries worldwide.
Shock Doctor’s sports protection products range from mouthguards, core protective equipment and apparel to Performance Sports Therapy, designed to protect athletes across a wide range of sports including football, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, MMA, fitness and more. Their athlete-centric approach and commitment to developing game-changing technology, which has earned them nineteen patents to date, has continuously revolutionized the industry and raised the standard for technical and functional performance. Trusted by youth, amateur, and pro athletes alike, Shock Doctor products combine cutting-edge design and premium materials with the latest technology to achieve the ultimate in protection and performance.

 

About Cutters Gloves

www.cuttersgloves.com
Based in Phoenix, AZ, Cutters develops, manufactures, distributes and markets an industry leading line of football gloves and accessories as well as other sports gloves for the baseball, fitness, golf and soccer markets. True glove experts, Cutters Gloves, made with their exclusive C-TACK(tm) Performance Grip Material, are crafted from the highest quality materials for the best performance and durability. Other gloves may look similar, but the silicon application that most other companies use on their gloves results in an inferior grip, and a grip that will peel off, wear out more quickly, and that does not self-restore. An industry leader in the US and Canada, Cutters Gloves are also sold in 15 countries worldwide. Cutters was advised by McColl Partners on the transaction.

Sport event : GoPro Renews X Games Sponsorship

GoPro has signed on again as a sponsor of X Games Los Angeles 2012, where 13 of its sponsored athletes will be competing.

GoPro will be working with its athletes to produce course previews and daily highlights for ESPN's broadcast of X Games Los Angeles 2012 which will also be viewable on the GoPro Network, viewable at GoPro.com, GoPro's YouTube Channel and GoPro's Facebook page.  Athletes will wear GoPro HD HERO2 camera to capture on-board angles, providing viewers with unique athlete perspectives of some of the most challenging events at the competition.

In addition, GoPro is releasing new videos featuring X Games veteran, Andy Macdonald and skate phenom, Mitchie Brusco. Watch and ride along with 21-time X Games medalist, Andy Macdonald as he travels around the world hitting the streets, parks, and spreading the stoke. Journey alongside 15-year-old Mitchie Brusco through his ups and downs, in this three part series leading up to X Games Los Angeles 2012.

(SportsOneSource Media)

New product: Polar And LOOK Launch The World's First Pedal-Based Power Cycling System

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. and NEVERS, France, June 26, 2012 -- Polar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, together with LOOK, the inventor and leader in clipless pedals, announced today the launch and availability of the first clipless cycling pedals to measure cycling power output. The Polar LOOK Keo Power pedals measure an athlete's left/right balance and power output, and send the data directly to a compatible Polar cycling computer on the bike's handlebars. Sensors are integrated in the body of the pedal and the crank for maximum accuracy.

Keo Power provides instant feedback by measuring accurate power output in watts from both the left and the right pedal separately – which can be essential in correcting pedaling inefficiencies and imbalances or while recovering from an injury during training. The pedals also give information to calculate Cycling Efficiency Index value, which shows how efficiently cyclists convert their effort into power, propelling the bike forward. The value is calculated by dividing power output with total energy expenditure, which is determined by heart rate and personal data. Improvement in the value indicates improved performance economy.

"Polar and LOOK share a passion for innovation," said Tony Bass, Vice President of Sales for Polar USA. "LOOK is a brand dedicated to being the best in its category and we're confident that this collaboration and the launch of Keo Power will bring an unparalleled product and experience to ambitious cyclists who want to reach their maximum potential."

This state-of-the-art power measurement system comprises the light-weight Polar P5 power transmitters and LOOK Keo Power pedals. Easy to attach to cranks and switch between bikes, each Keo Power pedal comes with eight embedded strain gauges for extreme power measurement precision and a +/- 2 percent accuracy variance. Attached to each crank arm, two power transmitters relay the data from the sensors wirelessly to a compatible Polar cycling computer on the bike's handlebar.

The system calibrates itself automatically to zero power value before each training session. The automatic zero offset calibration ensures cyclists get the most accurate power output measurement possible. Besides displaying power output value, Keo Power pedals also measure current and average cadence in revolutions per minute, helping users find the optimal pedaling rate for their rides.

"Weighing only 170 grams per pedal, Keo Power is worth more than its minuscule weight," states Eric Vanhaverbeke, VP Sales & Marketing for LOOK. "It is the first-ever power measurement system integrated into pedals and provides maximum accuracy with minimum effort to attach and switch between bikes. Providing power output from both legs separately, Keo Power works with any wheel or crankset on the market, making it the perfect tool to improve and balance your cycling technique. We have developed this product together for more than three years and have included all LOOK savoir-faire and expertise in the Keo Power system. Like the Keo Blade, it has the widest pedaling platform for power transfer on the market. We have designed an oversized axle including eight embedded strain gauges in order to provide precise power data readings."

Keo Power is available on a limited basis.  The Keo Power pedals communicate with Polar CS600X and CS500 cycling computers through the proven W.I.N.D. protocol for disturbance-free transmission. The CS500 displays your power output and cadence. The CS600X shows left/right balance, Cycling Efficiency Index and is GPS-ready. The Polar G5 GPS sensor accessory provides 20 hours of GPS-based route mapping per one charge. Thus, compared to built-in GPS sensors, the coin cell powered CS600X will continue to work if the G5 runs out of battery – making it training-ready without the need for constant recharging.

Sets Available

Keo Power accessory set
       2 x LOOK Keo Power pedals
       2 x Polar P5 power transmitters
       2 x cleats
       Pedal installation tool
       P5 power transmitter attachment kit
       2 x CR2354 batteries
       1 x 8mm Allen key
       1 x 18mm wrench
       2 x protection pouch
       2 x manuals
MSRP: $2,295.00

Keo Power bundle set
       1 x Polar CS600X cycling computer
       2 x LOOK Keo Power pedals
       2 x Polar P5 power transmitters
       2 x cleats
       Pedal installation tool
       P5 power transmitter attachment kit
       2 x CR2354 batteries
       1 x 8mm Allen key
       1 x 18mm wrench
       2 x protection pouch
       2 x manuals
MSRP: $2,495.00

Compatible Polar cycling computers: Polar CS600X, CS600, CS500+, CS500, and CS500 Tour de France

Article source and copyright © PR Newswire Europe Limited, all rights reserved.
Trademarks, logos, pictures and other items may be copyright of firms mentioned in this article

Business news :Amer Sports Outsources U.S. DTC Operations

Amer Sports Group expanded its partnership with PFSweb, Inc. to a multi-year agreement to provide direct-to-consumer (DTC) services in the United States for six of its brands. The agreement calls for PFSweb to provide order management, financial and fulfillment services for the brands’ e-commerce operations in the United States.

PFSweb took over DTC services for the Suunto brand in the United States in May and will launch Salomon’s e-commerce site in the United States in August. The other four brands covered by the U.S. agreement include Wilson (team and golf), Atomic (ski), Bonfire (snowboarding) and Mavic (cycling).

“We are excited to grow our partnership with the PFSweb team,” stated Victor Duran, SVP of Marketing & Business to Consumer for Amer Sports. “We chose to extend our relationship with PFSweb within the U.S. due to their exemplary direct-to-consumer support for our brands across Europe and the fact that they are able to give each of our brands unique consideration while providing our consumers the same high quality service that they experience within our brands’ stores.”
“We are excited to support the U.S. direct-to-consumer services for the well-known brands within the Amer Sports group,” stated Mike Willoughby, President of PFSweb, Inc. “This master client agreement highlights our general appeal for companies with multiple brands. Our ability to create highly customized programs and implement functionality that enhances the customer experience for each brand with the added cost benefits of scale has enabled PFSweb to stand out among the competition.”

SportsOneSource Media

New product :Dive In and Make a Splash with the New Garmin Swim™

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced Garmin Swim™ – its first training watch designed specifically for swimmers that lets users track stroke type, stroke count, distance, pace, lengths and much more. This stylish thin watch also allows swimmers to track their workouts and drills in real-time. Garmin Swim was announced in preparation for the U.S. Masters Swimming Championships in Omaha, Nebraska July 5-8 where it will be prominently displayed.

“Garmin Swim will quickly replace the log books and journals so many swimmers have come to rely on for tracking their progress,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “At a glance, swimmers will know their time, distance, pace and be able to wear this watch as an everyday timepiece, all without having to worry about charging it.”
Garmin Swim is ready to go right out of the box – swimmers need only to tell it the length of the pool they are swimming in and begin their workout. Its sleek profile allows it to cut right through the water, so it won’t cause drag or slow swimmers down. Garmin Swim’s battery lasts approximately one year and is easy to replace at home, so swimmers won’t have to send it away to stay powered. To see Garmin Swim in action go to: www.garmin.com/swim.
With Garmin Swim on the wrist, swimmers can focus on their technique instead of what lap they are on. Garmin Swim automatically knows the stroke swimmers are using and tracks their lengths, strokes, distance, pace and more. With a few button presses, swimmers can also log drills or start timed sets without constantly monitoring the pool clock. It even calculates swimmers’ swolf scores to help gauge efficiency, making it ideal for lap swimmers of all levels. The intuitive interface utilizes 6 buttons, so functions can be accessed quickly and easily.
Slim and attractive enough to be worn as a daily watch, Garmin Swim serves as a personal reminder of swimmers’ goals. To help swimmers stay motivated, it displays their weekly accumulated distance under the time of day. Watch features include dual time zones and alarm -- so no more early morning excuses for not getting to the pool.
Upon completion of a workout, swimmers can upload their swim data to Garmin Connect™ (http://connect.garmin.com), a website for free online analysis. Here swimmers can quickly and easily view their workouts, track their totals, set goals, share workouts and data with coaches, friends and family and participate in an online fitness community of more than 80 million activities around the world. Through the magic of ANT+™ wireless technology and the USB stick that comes with the Garmin Swim, swimmers’ workout data automatically transfers to their computer when in range. Garmin Connect is Mac® and Windows® compatible.
Garmin Swim is available now and has a suggested retail price of $149.99. Garmin Swim is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding fitness segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives and promotes healthy and active lifestyles. Whether it’s running, cycling, or other athletic pursuits, Garmin fitness devices are becoming essential tools for athletes both amateur and elite. For more about features, pricing and availability, as well as information about Garmin’s other fitness products and services, go to www.garmin.com/intosports, www.garmin.blogs.com .
About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin and Forerunner are registered trademarks and ANT+ and Garmin Connect are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contacts

Garmin International Inc.
Justin McCarthy, 913/397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com

Retail stores news : Fleet Feet Sports Holds Annual National Franchise Conference

Fleet Feet, Inc., the nation’s leading franchisor of running specialty stores, honored the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of its franchisees, employees and vendors during its annual National Franchise Conference in Washington, DC, June 17-21.
Franchise owners and employees from across the 94-store system and representatives of 60 industry vendors gathered for a week focused on education, networking, business planning, and a trade show designed exclusively for Fleet Feet Sports franchisees.

"This has been an exciting year for Fleet Feet Sports," said President and CEO, Jeff Phillips. "Our national conference offers a unique opportunity for our franchisees to unite and connect.  It also provided the perfect time to highlight the exciting opportunities ahead.   The conference theme, BEYOND, summarizes our perspective on just how far our brand and company can go.  Our focus is on building on the brand momentum that has been established to build deeper and stronger connections with customers in our communities and markets."
         
As part of the event, Fleet Feet, Incorporated honored its franchise owners and vendors at its annual Awards Dinner. 2012 award winners include:

Fleet Feet Sports Pinnacle Award
Susan Zepernick and Alan Rice, Fleet Feet Sports Chico, CA

This award recognizes a franchise that demonstrates excellence in customer acquisition, staffing & customer experience, financial & inventory management, and vendor relations, while embracing Fleet Feet Sports initiatives.

Fleet Feet Sports Trail Blazer Awards
Megyn and Andy Avedisian, Fleet Feet Sports Birmingham, AL and Heather and Jody Herzog, Fleet Feet Sports Cleveland, OH

This award recognizes Fleet Feet Sports franchisees opened for more than   three years that have established the brand name for Fleet Feet Sports in a       market where the brand was unknown or strengthened the brand name in a market where it needed to be elevated.

Fleet Feet Sports New Store Development Award
Hollie and David Eenigenburg, Fleet Feet Sports Schererville, IN

This award recognizes an outstanding Fleet Feet Sports franchisee who has been in business fewer than three years.

Fleet Feet Sports Vendor Service Award
Thom Abrams, Superfeet Worldwide

This award recognizes outstanding service and support to Fleet Feet Sports franchises by a vendor representative.

Fleet Feet Sports Supplier of the Year
Brooks Sports

This award recognizes a manufacturer for providing excellent product, support and services to Fleet Feet Sports stores.

Scholarships of Achievement were awarded to Fleet Feet Sports employees and students. Since 1999, Fleet Feet, Inc. has offered scholarships to enable young people associated with Fleet Feet Sports to pursue their educational goals and career aspirations.

Scholarship recipients included:
Lauren Lake, Fleet Feet Sports Baltimore, MD
Daniel Magana, Fleet Feet Sports Stockton, CA
Megan McCullough, Fleet Feet Sports Greenville, SC
David Mittwede Fleet Feet Sports Jackson, MS
Jake Means, Fleet Feet Sports Sacramento, CA

Fleet Feet, Incorporated is the industry leader in franchising successful, community-oriented, specialty footwear, apparel, and accessory stores serving runners, walkers and lifetime fitness enthusiasts.  Currently there are 94 Fleet Feet Sports locations nationwide.  Fleet Feet, Incorporated offers support for existing and potential franchises out of its corporate headquarters in Carrboro, NC.

(SportsOneSource Media)

Legal news : The regulation concerning the DDP (delivered duty paid) differs in some European destinations

The regulation concerning the DDP (delivered duty paid) differs in some European destinations /  关于以DDP（完税后交货）的调控不同，在一些欧洲目的地 / Die Verordnung über die DDP (geliefert verzollt) unterscheidet sich in einigen europäischen Destinationen / Что касается регулирования DDP (Поставка с оплатой пошлины) отличается в некоторых европейских стран / El Reglamento sobre el DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) difiere en algunos destinos europeos / DDP（デューティが支払っ配信）に関する規制は、いくつかのヨーロッパの都市で異なります / Il regolamento riguarda il DDP (Reso sdoganato) si differenzia in alcune destinazioni europee / डीडीपी (कर्तव्य भुगतान दिया) के संबंध में विनियमन कुछ यूरोपीय गंतव्यों में अलग

La réglementation concernant le DDP (livré droits acquittés) diffère pour certaines destinations européennes

( Source Fedex )

De plus en plus d'entreprises cherchent à simplifier au maximum l'importation de marchandises pour leurs clients à l'exportation, en utilisant le mode d'expédition DDP (livré droits et taxes acquittés). En vertu de ces arrangements les vendeurs/expéditeurs s'engagent à livrer leurs marchandises totalement dédouanées à leur destinataire, se chargeant donc de tous les risques et coûts (y compris les droits et taxes) afférents à ces livraisons.

Cependant, certains pays de destination de l'UE ne permettent pas aux vendeurs/expéditeurs d'organiser le dédouanement à destination et exigent qu'un importateur officiel soit établi dans le pays de destination. Dans le cas de l'Allemagne, du Danemark, des Pays-Bas, et de la Suède, l’expérience FedEx nous a montré que les acheteurs/destinataires qui ont commandé des produits en DDP peuvent refuser et refuseront que le dédouanement se fasse en leur nom.

Deux options standards sont donc maintenant disponibles pour contourner ces situations :

1) Livrer en mode « Livré Droits Non Acquittés » (DDU)
Cette option permet aux expéditeurs/vendeurs de prendre en charge tous les frais sauf ceux requis pour couvrir les formalités de dédouanement des importations ainsi que les droits annexes, taxes et autres redevances exigibles à l'importation des marchandises. Dans ce cas, les acheteurs/destinataires sont responsables de toutes les procédures de dédouanement et des paiements.

 2) Expédier en mode « Livré Droits Acquittés » (DDP) en passant par l'intermédiaire d'un agent en douane officiellement accrédité
Cette option est particulièrement intéressante quand il faut calculer ou payer la TVA et d’autres taxes.

D'autres réglementations spéciales s'appliquent également à certains pays de l'UE :

Déclaration du lieu de destination sur les documents Incoterm détaillant les conditions de vente et de livraison DDP
L'Autriche, le Danemark, la Lettonie, la Pologne, la République Tchèque et la Roumanie exigent que le lieu de destination figure sur ces documents. Sans mention de ces informations, le document Incoterm sera ignoré.

Déclaration des coûts de fret
L'Autriche, l'Espagne, la France, la Lettonie, la Lituanie, Malte et les Pays-Bas exigent que le coût du fret ainsi que les droits et taxes soient clairement détaillés sur les factures commerciales. Là aussi, si ces détails ne figurent pas, le document Incoterm sera alors ignoré.

Nous conseillons à nos clients de bien vérifier toutes les exigences locales en matière de droits de douane et de TVA avant de réserver un enlèvement et d'expédier en « Livré Droits Acquittés » (DDP) vers des destinations de l'UE. En cas de non-conformité avec les exigences du pays de destination, il sera nécessaire d'appliquer des conditions de livraison différentes, qui seront non seulement moins favorables pour les destinataires, mais peuvent également entraîner des frais supplémentaires.

( translation tool on the top right )

Business news: Investment Firm Sells Stake in Finland's Halti Oy

SportsOneSource Media   

3i, an international investor, has sold its 49% equity stake in the 32-year-old Finnish outdoor brand Halti Oy to Ingman Group.
 
Halti is a leading brand in Finland for outdoor clothing, footwear, accessories and equipment for all seasons. Its products are used for winter sports such as Alpine and cross-country skiing and other outdoor pursuits including climbing, hiking, mountain biking and camping. Its products are sold under the "Halti" and "Raiski" brands through sporting retailers, department stores and hypermarkets with 1,400 points of sale in over 15 countries. Halti was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Vantaa. The company employs c. 60 staff and reported net sales of €28m ($35mm) in 2010. 3i invested in Halti in July 2004, alongside management of the company.

Since 2004, 3i has actively supported Halti's efforts to build on its leadership position within its domestic markets in Finland and accelerate the internationalisation of the business, expanding into the strategically important Alpine countries of Austria, Italy and Germany. Additionally, Halti has boosted export sales and brand credibility through significant investments in international sponsorship and marketing. In 2013 Halti will be the official clothing supplier for the fourth time in the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Schladming, Austria. Moreover, Halti will equip the Finnish Olympic Team in the London Summer Olympics in 2012.

"Over the last eight years, 3i has worked closely with Halti’s management, offering access to 3i's network of global contacts and strategic advice to support the internationalisation of the brand," said Erkki Nikoskelainen of 3i's Nordic Private Equity team. "Over the investment period, Halti has doubled its turnover and achieved international recognition and success. Today the firm has a strong platform for continued future growth."
Halti CEO Mr. Martti Uusitalo said: "Halti's business and processes developed significantly during this eight-year partnership. 3i's added value and experience in international business as well as brand building has led Halti's permanent expansion into international markets."

3i is an international investor focused on private equity, infrastructure and debt management.

New products: Skechers GOrun Earns Positive Reviews from Run Mags

Skechers USA, Inc. announced that its Skechers GOrun performance footwear received Most Innovative accolades from two major running magazines. The "2012 Spring Shoe Review" in the April issue of Competitor named Skechers GOrun the Editor's Pick for Most Innovative new running shoe. And the May/June issue of Women's Running declared Skechers GOrun a "Most Innovative Award Winner."

"After investing three years of research and development into Skechers GOrun, we're honored that the serious running community is recognizing the design of our first performance shoe as pioneering in this technical and elite world," began Michael Greenberg, president of SKECHERS. "In the months ahead, our new Skechers Performance Division will leverage these innovations as a foundation for an expanded collection of products that will meet the needs of athletes at various skill and ability levels across multiple sports and activities."

Skechers GOrun is the official shoe of America's top marathon runner, Meb Keflezighi. Meb wore the shoes when setting new personal records as the first American to cross the finish line in the 2011 NYC Marathon and when winning the 2012 Houston Trials. Meb will once again be wearing Skechers GOrun footwear when he represents the United States on the world's biggest stage in London this summer.

Skechers is building on its success in minimal running with launches this summer of Skechers GOrun Ride -- a running line with enhanced cushioning, Skechers GOtrain -- a workout shoe built for added stability and control, and Skechers GObionic -- a zero-drop ultra-minimal running shoe. With these new lines, the Skechers Performance Division will equip athletes from the track to the gym, with additional categories planned for the trail and golf course.

Designed by the Company's Advanced Concepts Team with consultation by elite runners like Meb, Skechers GOrun promotes a mid-foot strike and features GOimpulse sensors for a flexible and responsive running experience. The minimalistic line has a low 4mm heel drop and with Resalyte(TM) cushioning weighs in at just 6.9 ounces (size 9 men's) and 4.9 ounces (size 6 women's). Skechers GOrun is available in sporting goods, department and specialty athletic stores, and SKECHERS stores around the world.

( sports one source ) 

Website : http://www.skechers.com/styles/fitness/go