Business people : K2 Sports Welcomes Back Tim Petrick

Leading global manufacturer of outdoor sports gear marks 50th anniversary with capital infusion and return of industry veteran.
Seattle, WA (August 28, 2012) -- Celebrating their 50th anniversary as a leading global manufacturer of outdoor sports gear, K2 Sports isn’t backing into the monumental occasion passively. The Seattle, Wash.-based company is driving into its next era with full steam.

K2 Sports is currently in the middle of a multi-year investment plan comprising a substantial capital infusion supporting key category product launches and global sales support efforts. A landmark leadership announcement reinforces this initiative, with the appointment of industry veteran Tim Petrick as President of K2 Sports Global Sales and Marketing, effective immediately. Petrick will report to Anthony De Rocco, President and CEO of K2 Sports, in the newly-created role.

“We are very proud to welcome Tim back to the family of K2 Sports,” said De Rocco. “Tim has worked side-by-side with our global teams and our retail partners for almost 20 years. He knows our DNA intimately and the market climate very well and our retail partners know and trust him. Tim will be a strong leader to further the momentum to our next era of growth and success during K2 Sports’ most pivotal time of opportunity on the domestic and global level.”

The strategic move brings Petrick full circle with K2 Sports, a company with which he’s invested nearly two decades of his career. Petrick first worked with K2 Sports as VP and General Manager of the ski division from 1989-1997 before going to Booth Creek Ski Holdings as Executive VP of Product Development. He returned to K2 Sports in 2000 as VP of Global Sales and remained there until 2009. During his three-year hiatus from K2 Sports before now returning, Petrick has remained a strong voice and leading figure in the snowsports and outdoor recreation industries.

“Returning to K2 Sports is an incredible opportunity,” said Petrick. “The company has market leading iconic brands across many outdoor active lifestyle categories. These leading brands give K2 Sports the unparalleled opportunity to build on the company’s reputation for product innovation, retail sales results, and ultimately, satisfied consumers in the years ahead."

The scope of K2 Sports’ investment venture will see resources allocated toward global sales expansion, manufacturing and technology platform enhancements, new category launches including ski boots, and accelerated brand growth. Petrick will help orchestrate product line decisions, trade policies, distribution solutions, and marketing communications across the K2 Sports portfolio of brands.

"We have exciting growth opportunities with product line launches in winter sports, our Zoot brand of triathlon gear, and our new Spring '13 collection - which is leading to great counter seasonal growth," said Petrick. "Couple these with our targeted growth initiatives developed with our parent-company Jarden, and these are truly exciting times at K2 Sports."
For more about K2 Sports, please visit: http://www.k2sports.com.

(Source SIA)

Business news :Callaway Golf Company Announces Refinancing

Callaway Golf Company announced that the company entered into separate, privately-negotiated exchange agreements under which it will issue $63.2 million in aggregate principal amount of new 3.75 percent Convertible Senior Notes due 2019, and 5.9 million shares of the company's common stock, par value 1 cent per share, in exchange for 982,361 shares of the company's outstanding 7.50 percent Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, par value 1 cent per share, which has a conversion price of $7.05 per share and a liquidation preference of $100 per share. 

Following the exchange transactions, 417,639 shares of the Preferred Stock will remain outstanding.  In addition, the company entered into private placement purchase agreements under which it will receive gross cash proceeds of $46.8 million in exchange for an additional $49,273,000 principal amount of the same 3.75 percent Convertible Senior Notes. The transactions are expected to close on August 29, 2012.

These new Convertible Senior Notes mature in 2019 and will pay interest of 3.75 percent per year on the principal amount, payable semiannually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning February 15, 2013.  The Notes are convertible, at the option of the holders, at any time on or prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding August 15, 2019, into shares of Common Stock at a conversion rate of approximately 133.3333 shares per $1,000 in principal amount, which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $7.50 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.  The Company has the right to terminate the conversion right anytime the volume weighted average price of the Company's shares of common stock trade above $9.75 for a specified period. The Company also has the right to redeem the Notes beginning August 15, 2015 for an amount equal to the principal balance of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

"The refinancing transactions we announced today provide significant benefits for the company and its shareholders," commented Chip Brewer, President and CEO of Callaway Golf.  "These transactions substantially lower the company's cost of capital and are immediately accretive to earnings per share.  At current earnings levels, these transactions are accretive by over $0.12 per share on an annualized basis.  In addition, we have raised approximately $43 million in cash, net of transaction costs, and retained our right to redeem at any time the remaining 417,639 outstanding shares of preferred stock at their liquidation preference.  I am pleased we were able to enter into these transactions, which are consistent with our turnaround plan and are in addition to the cost-reduction initiatives we announced in July."

(SportsOneSource Media)

New product from Saddlemen: the E-PAK Electronics Pouch

• Saddlemen’s new E-Pak houses your smart phone, GPS unit or small electronic device in a sleek pouch that secures to your fuel tank.
• The E-Pak fits most smart phones and a variety of GPS units, and features an electrostatic-transmitting plastic window that allows you to operate the touch screen.
• The pouch is weather resistant to protect your device and has a rubberized backing that protects your fuel tank finish.
• The Saddlemen E-Pak is available through Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties.
• Samples available for media evaluation.

RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, CA – August , 2012 – Saddlemen is proud to announce the release of the new E-Pak, a specialized pouch designed to house your personal electronics device on the go. The E-Pak is the best solution for those who want to bring their smart phone, GPS unit or other small electronic device on their motorcycle, scooter or ATV. The E-Pak holds your device in a sleek pouch with a large plastic window that allows you to operate a touch screen with a bare finger or electrostatic-transmitting gloves.

While designed to fit most modern smart phones, the E-Pak is also compatible with a number of GPS units. The weather resistant pouch features shielded magnets to secure your device to your fuel tank.
Features include:

• Pouch fits most smart phones and many GPS units
• Roomy interior space – 5 inches long, 3.5 inches wide and 0.75 inches thick
• Weather resistant
• Shielded magnets for easy installation/removal
• Electrostatic-transmitting window allows touch screen operation
• Rubberized backing protects fuel tank finish
• Universal application – works great on any bike

Visit the Saddlemen website for more information. The Saddlemen E-Pak is distributed through Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties.
Since 1987 Saddlemen has been dedicated to offering high-quality aftermarket seats, luggage and accessories for all types of motorcycles. Designed for increased comfort and style, all Saddlemen products are built with industry-leading technology and premium materials. Saddlemen’s vast line puts American craftsmanship on any type of bike – Harley, cruiser, touring, sport, dual sport, off-road, ATVs and snowmobiles. Whether you explore the open road, tackle some unexplored terrain or commute to work, Saddlemen’s quality products will help you get where you want to go.

(Motor Sports Newswire)

Retail store News : Puma Opens First Sustainable Puma Store

PUMA today opened a sustainable PUMA Store in India, the first one worldwide revolutionizing the concept of retail spaces globally. The store – located in the Bangalore suburb Indiranagar – is spread over a total of 800 sq meters, has been locally developed and sourced and incorporates a number of revolutionary and innovative design elements to ensure major energy savings as well as environmentally friendly-sourcing practices. While the lower levels will serve as a retail area, a ‘PUMA Social Club’ cafe and bar will be located on the upper floor and terrace and will be ready to open by the end of 2012.
“In keeping with our mission of becoming the most desirable and sustainable Sportlifestyle company, PUMA is happy to take this pioneering step forward for the retail industry.”, said Franz Koch, CEO of PUMA. “Establishing a sustainable PUMA Store underlines our commitment to reduce CO2 emissions, energy, water and waste in PUMA offices, stores, warehouses and direct supplier factories by 2015.”
“The building is a true design marvel and incorporates a host of innovative sustainability features to make our sustainable PUMA Store a one-of-a-kind retail experience”, said Rajiv Mehta, Managing Director PUMA South Asia. “We are pleased to be a pioneer in sustainability again with setting new standards for an environmentally-friendly and resource-saving store concept in one of India’s best shopping locations.”
Features that meet the highest criteria for sustainability include:

• Recycled steel from old DVD players, bicycles and tiffin boxes has been used to construct the building of the PUMA Store.
• The surface layout of the building has been designed in a way that more than 90% of the interior spaces in this store have direct access to natural daylight so that less artificial light is needed.
• The artificial lighting used in this store is energy efficient with fewer watts being consumed for the same lumen output.
• The recessed first and second floor volume generates a stack-effect for natural cooling.
• The highly insulated building shell allows for cooling without an air conditioning. Soil temperature, at a depth of about 12 feet or more stays fairly constant throughout the year and is approximately equal to the average annual ambient air temperature. The ground will be used as a heat sink for cooling in the summer and as a heat source for heating in the winter. A simple method used in this store is to pass air through the underground air tunnel.
• By maintaining the temperature at a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius, PUMA leaves it warmer than in usual retail stores and thus conserves energy.
• The sustainable PUMA Store is 100% solar-powered as solar photovoltaic cells provide 10,384 kwh units of energy a year.
• The porotherm blocks used to construct the shell of the building have been made using silt from the lakes in Kunigal. These lakes are the only source of water for villages in Kunigal and hence are desilted every year to increase the water table. The silt usually ends up as waste, but has now been used as a valuable resource in the sustainable PUMA Store.
• Under Floor Air Distribution helps to save further energy. Floor Air Distribution works on the principle that air in any particular space needs to be cooled only for the first eight feet from the floor because convection currents cause hot air to rise automatically while cool air remains at the bottom.
• The furniture and fixture in this store were made of recycled wood while low volatile organic compound paint has been used to paint the Store’s walls.
• The Store’s roof garden keeps the building insulated from the direct heat of the sun and the plants keep the temperature lower at all times.
• A special insulation foam has been implemented in the roof which cuts down heat gains by reducing conduction.
• Occupancy sensors provide automatic on/ off control so that lights are used when the room is occupied. When the space is unoccupied, the lights are automatically turned off.

The store will retail a range of products made from organic cotton as well as PUMA’s Wilderness Collection – a collection primarily sourced and produced in Africa using sustainable materials. For the first time in India, the sustainable PUMA Store also introduces PUMA’s global ‘Bring Me Back” Program – an in-store recycling program for footwear, apparel and soft accessories.

The launch event was carbon-neutral with all the energy consumed during the party being produced by customers and invitees through pedal power. This is a novel initiative whereby people pedal on a special bicycle generator that feeds into the main power source. In this way, power can be created and stored in a battery bank thereby eliminating reliance on traditional power sources.

To generate awareness and appreciation for sustainability amongst the citizens of Bangalore, PUMA has embarked upon an ambitious initiative to involve the art and design community. The brand has partnered with Trapeze Design Studio as well as young installation artists from the city to create large-format installations using waste material. These will then be put up in key locations around Bangalore city later this month as a strong message to highlight the glaring need to reuse, reduce and recycle – the cornerstone of waste minimization strategies. The aesthetic and utilitarian installations will be donated to the Bangalore Municipality and remain as permanent artworks to beautify the city-scape.
For more information on PUMA and the brand’s efforts around sustainability, please visit http://about.puma.com/sustainability/

(Source Puma group)

Business people :Rossignol Group Announces New President, North America

Park City, UT (August 28, 2012) -- Ron Steele, formerly Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Rossignol USA, has been promoted to President of Group Rossignol North America. The change comes with the news that Tim Petrick has resigned from the role he has held since January 2011.
“I would like to thank Tim for the work he has done on behalf of all the Rossignol brands since joining us in June 2009 as Global VP of Marketing and Sales, and particularly for his efforts as President of North America over the past 20 months,” said Bruno Cercley, President and CEO of Group Rossignol’s worldwide operations.  “We have great momentum with all our brands and they are poised to continue this growth with Ron Steele’s leadership.

Steele is well known in the winter sports business having succeeded in many capacities for more than 35 years.  Ron began his career as an Olympic athlete, jumping for the US team in the 1972 Olympics and as a member of the US Ski Team from 1972-1977. He went on to work in retail at a local specialty ski shop while attending the University of Utah. He was originally hired by Rossignol in 1978 as an Alpine Technical Representative.  From those early days, Steele went on to become VP of Marketing and Sales for the Group, guiding Rossignol through its success in alpine skis, boots, bindings, nordic equipment and snowboards.

“We are very excited to have Ron Steele take over responsibility for North American operations,” Cercley added.  “Ron has a wealth of experience in all categories, excellent relationships with our retail partners, and is well respected by the team in Park City, as well as at our headquarters in Moirans, France.  I am confident he will build upon the success we are seeing throughout North America.”

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the President of Rossignol’s North American operations,” said Ron Steele.  “We are stewards of some of the best known, most iconic brands in the winter sports business, and I look forward to continuing to work with all our retail partners in my new capacity.” Steele continues,

“the North American team is extremely strong, and I am looking forward working alongside everyone, especially Jim Hunter, our CFO, VP of Operations and 34 year veteran of our company.”

The Rossignol Group distributes Rossignol, Dynastar, Lange, Look and Kerma alpine, nordic and snowboard equipment throughout North America.

( Source SIA)

Business news : Billabong Posts FY Loss, Reveals Turnaround Plan

Billabong International Limited reported a net loss after tax of Australian $275.6 million (U.S.$286.2mm) in the twelve months ended June 30 while also announcing its Transformation Strategy for the company.

As flagged in the half year results, significant and exceptional items have resulted in costs of A$336.1 million ($349.1mm), net of the gain on sale of Nixon of A$201.4 million ($209.2mm), of which 99 percent is non-cash.

Excluding the impact of significant and exceptional items Adjusted1 Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) was A$33.5 million ($34.8mm) on reported global sales revenue of A$1.55 billion ($1.6bn). Revenue was down 7.9 percent in reported Australian dollar (AUD) terms (down 5.0 percent in constant currency terms) compared to the prior corresponding period (pcp), including online sales growth of approximately 50 percent.

CEO Launa Inman said: “At an underlying trading level, the Group remains profitable. As previously flagged to the market, the Group’s results have been adversely impacted by various significant and exceptional items. In recording the various significant and exceptional costs and charges, the Group has endeavoured to adopt a conservative position. The Group is well on track in implementing the initiatives outlined in the previously announced Strategic Capital Structure Review and will continue to implement a number of new strategic initiatives announced today as part of Billabong’s Transformation Strategy. These initiatives will target both cost savings and revenue growth.”

Adjusted1 Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortisation and Impairment (EBITDA) of A$120.6 million ($125.3mm) was down 40.9 percent in reported AUD terms (39.4 percent in constant currency terms) and within the guidance range. The continued appreciation of the AUD against the Group’s operating currencies, in particular the Euro and USD, adversely affected reported consolidated results, specifically by A$51.8 million ($53.8mm) in respect of sales revenue, A$5.0 million (5.2mm) in respect of EBITDA and A$3.3 million ($3.4mm) in respect of NPAT.

While the Group’s profit and loss results have been adversely impacted by the abovementioned significant and exceptional items, the Group is pleased to report a significant reduction in working capital, both in dollar terms as well as a percentage of sales. In addition, the Group has achieved a strong improvement in cash flow from operating activities and a reduction in net debt, primarily from proceeds received from the partial sale of Nixon and equity capital raising in June.

Specifically:
- Working capital as reported reduced:
o 39.7 percent to A$284.1 million from A$471.2 million in the pcp; and
o to 19.7 percent of sales from 27.8 percent in the pcp.
- Net cash flow from operating activities increased by 224.2 percent to A$78.9 million, from A$24.3 million in the pcp.
- Net debt reduced to A$160.9 million or A$94.2 million when adjusting for the net proceeds of the retail entitlement offer.

Billabong has made good progress on the initiatives announced in February 2012 as part of its Strategic Capital Structure Review, including the partial sale of Nixon, the closure of underperforming stores and its cost reduction program.

Specifically:
- US$285m in proceeds from the partial sale of Nixon
- 58 non-performing stores closed as at 30 June 2012, with a further 82 non-performing stores identified for closure in FY13, expected to realise incremental EBITDA in FY13 of approximately A$6 million (approximately A$8 million on an annualised basis)
- Cost savings of approximately A$30 million per annum expected to be realised in FY13 from cost reduction initiatives undertaken in FY12

These, together with the Transformation Strategy announced today, are expected to return the Group to growth and to significantly strengthen the company’s financial position.

Transformation Strategy

Billabong today announces its Transformation Strategy which provides a clear pathway to unlocking the inherent value within the Billabong Group. Over the next four years, the Transformation Strategy aims to return the Group to positive sales growth and is targeted to deliver EBITDA greater than 2.5x FY12 pro-forma EBITDA of A$84.0 million, excluding 100 percent of Nixon and significant and exceptional items. Specifically, Billabong will achieve these objectives by focusing on the following key strategic priorities:
- Simplifying its business
- Leveraging Brand Billabong
- Leveraging other key brands
- Realising the strategic potential of retail
- Continuing to expand Billabong’s global e-commerce platform
- Globalising and integrating the supply chain

More details of the transformation strategy are available here.

Outlook and dividend

The Group expects the current challenging trading conditions to continue during FY13. Assuming no further deterioration in these conditions, FY13 EBITDA is currently expected to be in the range of A$100 million to A$110 million in constant currency terms. This compares to pro-forma FY12 EBITDA of A$84.0 million, excluding 100 percent of Nixon and significant and exceptional items.

This result is expected to be driven by:
- The benefits from the previously announced Strategic Capital Structure Review;
- The additional benefits realised under the Transformation Strategy announced today; and
- Recognition of Billabong's share of after tax Nixon associate profits.

The Board has not declared a final dividend in respect of FY12 and does not expect to pay an interim dividend in respect of 1H FY13. The dividend policy will be reviewed thereafter.

Billabong Business website.

(SportsOneSource Media)

Business news : Couach shipyard (France) backup procedure

Troubled times for Couach shipyard, 8th French manufacturer of pleasure boats ranked ActuNautique.com.
Conflict with two creditors who demand payment of several million, the shipyard Arcachon has indeed placed under the protection of the Tribunal de Commerce de Bordeaux.
The company is not in receivership contrary to the information published on some websites, and do not wish to empty the cash at the same time the international boat show season will begin and with it, the period of contract signing, the site there for the first time with his first yacht of 50m, the Pellegrina.

 The first dispute concerned the Couach shipyard opposed to a Russian customer who ordered him a yacht of 50m. Due to a construction delay of three months consecutive to the disappearance of the previous owner of the site, Fabrice Vial, the client wishes to cancel the order and obtain a refund of its 9 million deposit. The project has proposed to make this refund once the boat is completed, the construction being advanced to 30%, but the client refuses gesture.
The second difference is in turn related to a dispute for which a bank requires 3 million reimbursement for a mold shell construction which no longer owns.
At the end of the backup process, the Couach shipyard working on a plan to repay its debts to be presented to the Tribunal de Commerce de Bordeaux.
Created a century ago, shipyards Couach have hardly experienced the crisis of 2009. Heavily indebted, the company was the same year placed in receivership, unable to bear this burden insurmountable, before being taken by an industrial window industry, Fabrice Vial.
An industrialist who tried to redress the balance without success and who was murdered on his yacht there just one year. Again in trouble, the company again changed hands to be taken by the company Nepteam structure created by French industrialists, including Florent Battistella, former head of Converteam (formerly Alstom Power Conversion), sold to General Electric (GE).

( French Source :  ActuNautique.com)

Business news :Confluence Watersports Parent Refinances Recourse Debt

American Capital, Ltd., which has owned a controlling interest in Confluence Watersports since 2005,  completed the refinancing of all of its recourse debt with a new four-year $600 million institutional term loan facility with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent.

American Capital is a publicly traded private equity firm that  manages $17 billion of assets, including Confluence Watersports, which owns the Adventure Technology, Bomber Gear, Harmony, Mad River Canoe, Wilderness Systems, Dagger, Wavesport paddlesports brands.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp. and UBS Securities LLC were joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners on the transaction. Citibank, N.A., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Goldman Sachs Bank USA also served as managing agents. In addition to repaying the existing recourse debt, the proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The term loan facility is priced at LIBOR plus 4.25%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.25%, and has a first lien on certain non-securitized assets of the company and a second lien on most of its remaining non-securitized assets.

American Capital also announced that it has obtained a new four-year $250 million senior secured revolving credit facility with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp. and UBS Securities LLC were joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners on the transaction. Citibank, N.A., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Bank of America, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA served as managing agents. Draws on the revolving credit facility will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The revolving credit facility has a three year revolving period and may be expanded through additional commitments up to $375 million. The revolving credit facility is priced at LIBOR plus 3.75%, and has a first lien on certain non-securitized loan assets of the company and a second lien on most of its remaining non-securitized assets.

"We are extremely pleased to announce our new term debt financing and revolving credit facility," said Malon Wilkus, Chairman and CEO. "We enjoyed strong demand and received the support of an excellent roster of debt investors. These facilities increase our capital availability and lower our interest cost, which will enhance our ability to make attractive new investments."

(SportsOneSource Media)

New products : Barz Optics offers an extensive range of protective and stylish eyewear

At the recent Sydney International Boat Show, Barz Optics was selling lenses that are not only stylish, but protective and affordable.

Owner Kevin Barr claimed many successful sales at the event. 'We have been doing really well, better than last year. Sales have increased about 20%,' he said.

BarzOptics manufactures an extensive range of sunglasses specifically developed for the boating lifestyle. Styles cater to men, women and children.

This year’s show serves as the launching pad for several new varieties of the all-important eye protection. The latest designs boast several unique features that make them some of Barz Optics best releases to date.

According to Kevin, the product that has been the most in demand has been the ‘San Juan’ range.

The specialised sunglasses feature the lightweight design that is common among the company’s products, but also boast a buoyancy of 0.95gm/ml, meaning this fashionable eyewear will float even in the most turbulent water.

The glasses are impregnated with melanin to ensure maximum protection, but perhaps the most intriguing feature is their ability to adapt to varying light conditions. The lenses adjust 40% darker according the level of sunlight.

The product has been well received by international markets, and the company has been supplying the glasses to America for the last two years as well as supplying to various European distributors, to rave reviews around the world.

More at www.barzoptics.com

(by Rosalie Taylor/ marinebusiness-world.com)

Business and retail news : Uniqlo to Launch Tennis Line

Uniqlo announces plans to launch its latest line of tennis apparel modeled after performance wear created for Novak Djokovic, world top-ranked male professional tennis player and Uniqlo global brand ambassador. The line will launch in the United States on August 27 and in other markets around the world at a later date, details of which will be announced in due course. In the U.S. the new range will go on sale at the Uniqlo 5th Avenue Store, the 34th Street Store and the Soho Store in New York City.

UNIQLO, the proud sponsor of Mr. Djokovic since May, will launch a total of 10 items for adults, ranging from warm up jackets and pants, to shirts, shorts and accessories. The tennis line will closely resemble the look and feel of the actual performance wear that Mr. Djokovic will wear at the 2012 U.S. Open Tournament that starts at Flushing Meadows, New York, on August 27.

Commenting on today's announcement, Shin Odake, Fast Retailing Group Officer and UNIQLO U.S. Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are very excited about introducing the Novak Djokovic replica tennis line first in the U.S., and to coincide our launch with the start of the U.S. Open. We hope the new line will be popular with our customers and tennis fans alike."

Naoki Takizawa, UNIQLO Creative Director, has been personally involved in designing all tennis apparel for Mr. Djokovic, starting with the 2012 French Open. "My inspiration for the very first designs came from Novak Djokovic himself and his country of origin, Serbia. In fact, it was the national flag of Serbia that actually inspired me when I started to think about the color and the design of his match wear," said Naoki Takizawa. "I was inspired by the shapes of the wings of the eagles that are on the flag, and with this in mind I began to draw lines along the sides of his performance wear. In my mind, the design needed to be simple, so that it didn't interfere with his very precise playing style. At the same time the design needed to look strong."

"Regarding the fabric, I chose the newest product from Toray Industries, who is a close partner of UNIQLO and who specializes in creating innovative fabrics. When designing clothing such as performance wear what is important is that the fabric absorbs perspiration and dries quickly, while ensuring player comfort even in extreme match conditions. At UNIQLO we have a strong desire to help athletes give their best performance," Takizawa added.

"I am very impressed with the UNIQLO design philosophy," said Novak Djokovic. "Over a series of regular face to face meetings, which take place in-between tournaments, we discuss a number of details regarding overall design, types of fabrics and materials, and even colors." He added, "The UNIQLO creative team, led by Takizawa-san, understands the importance of achieving the right balance of these elements so that my performance wear can support my movement on the court and give me an extra boost of confidence when aiming for my points."

(SportsOneSource Media )