Business news :Black Diamond to Acquire Gregory’s Japanese Distribution Assets from A&F

Black Diamond, Inc. (NASDAQ: BDE) (the “Company” or “Black Diamond”), a leading global provider of outdoor recreation equipment and active lifestyle products, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Japanese distribution assets of Gregory Mountain Products (“Gregory”) from Kabushiki Kaisha A&F (“A&F”), the exclusive distributor for Gregory in Japan.

“The amicable acquisition of Gregory’s Japanese distribution provides a number of benefits, including better control of our products in Japan, specifically the existing Gregory technical and lifestyle pack business,” said Peter Metcalf, president and CEO of Black Diamond. “Similar to our internal distribution platform in Europe, controlling our own distribution in Japan is expected to allow Black Diamond to develop a robust platform to support and scale recent and potential future acquisitions in this important market.”

Beginning January 1, 2013, Gregory intends to assume all of its own sales, marketing and distribution functions in Japan. Dating back to the early 1980’s, A&F has been responsible for Gregory’s sales, marketing and distribution functions in Japan, Gregory’s largest foreign market and an important strategic market for Black Diamond’s long-term growth objectives. A&F represented approximately 6% of The Company’s consolidated 2011 sales.

“Gregory and A&F have been partners for many decades and as a result, this agreement is designed to be mutually beneficial to both Black Diamond and A&F,” continued Metcalf. “A&F currently is, and is expected to remain, Gregory’s largest retail partner in Japan through A&F’s owned retail stores. Working directly with Japanese retailers is expected to allow improved forecasting and production planning to better support our Gregory sales growth expectations and provide smoother, more predictable cash flows. Ultimately, we believe controlling our own distribution will continue to be a key source of strength and competitive advantage for Black Diamond. However, there are no plans at this time to alter the existing Black Diamond Equipment branded gear distribution structure that we have with our long-time Japanese partner, Lost Arrow, Inc.”

About Black Diamond, Inc.
Black Diamond, Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of innovative active outdoor performance products for climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, skiing, cycling and other outdoor recreation activities for a wide range of year-round use. The Company's principal brands, Black Diamond®, Gregory™, POC™ and Pieps™, are iconic in the active outdoor industry and linked intrinsically with the modern history of these sports. Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, durability and safety that the outdoor and action sport communities rely on and embrace in their active lifestyle. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, the Company's products are created and tested on some of the best alpine peaks, slopes, crags, roads and trails in the world. These close connections to the Black Diamond lifestyle enhance the authenticity of the Company's brands, inspire product innovation and strengthen customer loyalty. The Company's products are sold by leading specialty retailers in the U.S. and 50 countries around the world. For additional information, please visit the Company's websites at www.blackdiamond-inc.com, www.blackdiamondequipment.com, www.gregorypacks.com, www.pocsports.com or www.pieps.com.

About Gregory Mountain Products
For nearly 35 years, Gregory has been the longtime leader in expedition, backpacking, daypacks and travel gear. World renowned for setting durability, comfort and performance standards in all their products, Gregory has won awards for its pack designs from such diverse media outlets as Outside Magazine, Backpacker Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Popular Science, Men’s Journal, Consumers Digest and Alpinist Magazine. Responsible for many industry firsts in backpack fit and design, the Gregory research and design team, including company founder Wayne Gregory, continues to lead the way in innovative backpack technology and performance. For more information about Gregory, visit http://www.gregorypacks.com or call 877.477.4292.

Cory Lowe / Backbone Media / 65 North 4th Street - Suite 1
Carbondale, CO 81623 / T: 970.963.4873 x127 / C: 970.376.2911

Business news : Nikwax® North America Hires Outdoor Marketing Alliance for Sales Representation in the Southeast, South Central and Upper Midwest

Officials from Nikwax North America announce the hire of Outdoor Marketing Alliance (OMA) as the company’s newest sales rep agency. The sales specialist and marketing group will support Nikwax in 20 states in the Southeast, South Central and Upper Midwest part of the U.S.
“I am incredibly excited about OMA coming aboard,” said Ben Palliser, sales manager for Nikwax N.A. “OMA’s ability to provide exceptional service within multiple markets and territories will be a tremendous asset for our dealers in the Southeast, South Central, and Upper Midwest.”
Headed up by outdoor industry veterans Morris Swarts and Hal Lunn, Outdoor Marketing Alliance has 16 representatives covering the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. The group’s collective knowledge of market dynamics and relationships with retailers will make the agency an invaluable resource and partner to Nikwax. OMA represents manufacturers in the outdoor, law-enforcement/military and occupational markets including Princeton Tec, Drake Waterfowl Systems, Lorpen Socks and Alps Mountaineering, to name a few.
Nikwax continues to the lead the market in effective yet environmental after-­care products. As the company continues to deepen its commitments to innovation and sustainability, support growth will continue to flourish.
“Nikwax is a perfect match for the apparel and equipment used in the industries that we service,” said Morris Swarts, President of OMA. “The outdoor, sporting, and military environments can be very harsh, and they can have specific protective needs. Nikwax after-care products meet those users’ needs, civilian or soldier.”
To contact Outdoor Marketing Alliance, please email: snroutdoor@aol.com. For more information about OMA, visit www.omainc.net or check them out on Facebook.

About Nikwax®:
Nikwax was founded in 1977 and is the global leader in environmentally safe aftercare and waterproofing solutions that extend the life and performance of technical footwear, apparel and equipment. Nikwax uses formulations that deliver maximum effectiveness while minimizing environmental impacts and promoting sustainability. Nikwax is the only major aftercare company to have never used aerosols, fluorocarbons, or volatile organic chemicals. All Nikwax products are fluorochemical-free, derived from nature-based ingredients, not tested on animals, and biodegradable. 
Nikwax currently exports to 50 countries across the globe, is the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Queen’s Award (2x), Sunday Times Best Green Award, and the Green Apple Award, and is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified.

Aubrey Volger / Verde PR & Consulting / Aubrey@verdepr.com / 970.946.2209

Business news : Garmont Hires North American Tactical Distributor

Garmont Srl of Italy appointed Outdoor Tactical Enterprises Inc. (OTE) as distributor for Garmont’s military/tactical, hunting and law enforcement footwear for the North American market, effective immediately. 

OTE will be responsible for brand distribution, product placement and support and will continue to assist in product development, product Innovation, and testing for the Garmont  tactical collection. Garmont Tactical/LE footwear is designed and developed specifically for this unique and high profile community utilizing direct input, testing and product specifications by our world’s finest professional users. 

“OTE has a proven track record in the distribution of tactical and outdoor gear and takes pride in offering brands that are innovative and set themselves to a higher standard than the norm.” commented Steve Siderias, OTE President and CEO. “Garmont fits the bill perfectly and we are very excited to be able to represent them in North America. Providing the best footwear to our heroes and professional users can not be taken lightly so utilizing the best technologies, materials, and best manufacturing techniques to ensure optimum performance is what Garmont does best.

This appointment is in addition to the recent partnership announced with Scott Sports for the distribution of Garmont’s line of ski boots and outdoor footwear in North America.
“We are pleased to welcome Outdoor Tactical Enterprises to our international sales network and are certain that the addition of a dedicated resource of their caliber and experience will help position our Tactical collection to effectively and aggressively grow the business forward in this strategic sales channel,” said Gian Luca Farinazzo, Garmont  sales and marketing manager International.

(  SportsOneSource Media )

Business news :Adidas to Host Factory Workers Support Summit .

Adidas AG on Friday announced plans for a summit next month in Switzerland with manufacturers, financing institutions, insurance experts and others to discuss creating a private insurance fund for workers affected by factory closures. The event, coordinated in partnership with The Global Forum for Sustainable Supply Chains, "looks to close one of the critical gaps in governance where countries have legislation providing for severance pay, but very few require the employer to make provisions for eventual severance obligations," Adidas said in a prepared statement.

The group will explore the creation of a "Provident Fund" that can be made available for workers affected by factory closures and non-payment of wages and benefits. An Adidas spokesperson told the Oregonian that Nike is among the companies that have been invited to participate in the summit meeting.
Adidas said that since 1997, it has worked to identify root causes of breaches of workers’ rights and work with hundreds of factories across its supply chain to ensure fair, healthy and safe working conditions. Yet it still  gets criticized over workers' severance payments, particularly among U.S. universities that issue licenses to Adidas.  Last month, Cornell University in New York became the first campus to sever its ties with Adidas over an issue with an Indonesian factory, PT Kizone, that suddenly closed last year without issuing severance pay to 2,800 workers.

Adidas also announced Friday that it was committing $275,000 in aid to the workers in addition to a $250,000 food aid program it already had created. A job placement program has also been formed by Adidas.

The full statement follows:

STATEMENT FROM THE ADIDAS GROUP

September 28, 2012
Protecting the interests of global workers involved in producing our footwear and apparel is an ongoing priority for the adidas Group.  Importantly, we are making headway in leading industry efforts to develop sustainable business solutions that address the systemic root cause of unethical factory closures around the globe, and protecting workers impacted by them.

We are pleased to announce today an important development in these efforts.  At our request, the Global Forum for Sustainable Supply Chains will convene a summit of manufacturers, financing institutions, insurance experts, and other interested parties to consider options for a private insurance fund – what we’ve termed a Provident Fund – that can be made available for workers affected by factory closures and non-payment of wages and benefits.  This summit, in partnership with the Global Forum, will take place in late October in Switzerland.  This unique approach looks to close one of the critical gaps in governance where countries have legislation providing for severance pay, but very few require the employer to make provisions for eventual severance obligations.

Today, as we have since 1997, we work to identify root causes of breaches of workers’ rights, and to develop effective sustainable resolutions.  We work with hundreds of factories in our supply chain every year to ensure fair, healthy and safe working conditions.  We measure factories’ performance, as well as our efficacy in resolving these issues.  We do this in collaboration with other brands, the Fair Labor Association, governments and regulatory authorities, and civil society groups.  Because of our approach to these issues, our programs are recognized as best practice by leading socially responsible investment agencies like the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good index.  In fact, earlier this month, for the 13th consecutive time, the adidas Group was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and was rated as the industry leader in sustainability issues and corporate responsibility in the Clothing, Accessories and Footwear category.  Regardless of this recognition, we always strive for increasingly effective ways that influence change.

We protect the interests of global workers because it is critical to our business and because it is the right thing to do.  As a company, we are sympathetic to the plight of workers impacted by the unethical closure of the PT Kizone factory in Indonesia. In addition to the job placement program and the $250,000 food aid program we have already established for these former workers, we are committing another $275,000 in humanitarian aid in recognition of the continuing hardships they and their families are facing.  Although the adidas Group had no business relationship with the factory for nearly six months prior to its closure, we are the leaders in the industry and, accordingly, the adidas Group has directly dedicated more towards the former PT Kizone workers than any other brand.  Our $525,000 in humanitarian aid, job placement program for former workers and our ongoing leadership in facilitating sustainable business solutions underscores our commitment to promoting global workplace standards.

(SportsOneSource Media)

Business and retail news :Power Force to Open First Store

Power Force is opening its first store in November 2012. The store is a 1,000 square feet boutique located at the Summit, the most high-profile shopping center in Birmingham, AL. 

The Power Force store is located near Saks Fifth Avenue, Juicy Couture, Lululemon, Apple, Gap and the Cheesecake Factory in the Summit's 1 million square foot property. The store design is described by focus groups as cutting edge and "Applesque". Power Force is projecting revenue exceeding $1 million for this store in only the first 12 months of operation.

By February 2013, the company will be opening its second and third stores in Georgia and NYC in the Buckhead and Soho areas.  By the end of 2013, the company is projecting to have two additional stores open in Chicago and LA. 

(SportsOneSource Media) 

Business news : PRIVILEGE MARINE (Ex Alliaura Marine), an impressive landing for a new start

Wednesday, September 26 Sables d'Olonne, an impressive 90m long cargo marked the end of the transfer of the most important tools (molds hull and deck of the Privilege 615 Privilege 745 and shell 745) from Lorient. A very emotional moment for both employees and for President PRIVILEGE MARINE.  

Production will be fully operational at the beginning of October, so just 3 months after the creation of the site. 

About PRIVILEGE MARINE: 
PRIVILEGE MARINE society, the new owner of the brands and Privilege Feeling, is pleased to announce the return of the entire business, including production, Les Sables d'Olonne, historical site of these brands. Les Sables d'olonne site was preferred for restarting the activity given the existence of human skills on site technical, industrial and commercial boats made of these marks an eponym of luxury and quality. "These are indeed men and women who designed, built and sold boats of those brands that are the strength of the company," explains Gilles Wagner, the man who was the architect of this recovery and lead the society. 
Gilles Wagner (41), the Vendée is from industry and plastic composite, having led successively different companies with Altor Industrie, the European leader in pre-fabricated bathroom. 
The objective is to foster a recovery that relies on a combination of skills recognized taking into account the prevailing economic conditions. Priority will be given to finishing catamarans during production, and the rate of production and the workforce will be organized according to the evolution of the backlog. 
At first, priority will be given to PRIVILEGE catamarans with maximum optimization of manufacturing conditions, and a decision on the recovery strategy of FEELING be studied later. 
The company has renewed its contract with Marc Lombard, the architect designer of existing lines and intends to rely on most of the network of agents and distributors who helped develop the brand globally.

( Source Privilège Marine group ) 

More infos or posts about Alliaura Marine, use the search engine at the right top of the page

Business news :Hutchinson now also in the German market !

Andreas Länger is the new Sales Manager for Germany, the French tire brand Hutchinson. He has been employed for eleven years in the group, and enters into the two-wheeler division.

He was introduced by the marketing and sales manager Jerome Dumartin. Hutchinson is a conglomerate that operates around two-thirds in the automotive sector and one third in the aviation industry, but does not manufacture tires.
Even the five-time Tour winner Jacques Anquetil rode Hutchinson tires, today the focus is in the area of ​​sports.
 
The new Atom Galactik is a tubeless tire for a racing bike. In size 700 times 23 c it weighs 240 grams, the atom X Light is again trimmed with 160 grams lightweight.
www.hutchinsontires.com

Picture: Andreas Länger Germany leads the sales in Hutchinson.

( German source radmarkt.de )

Web and Business news :G3 launches new digital platform with increased mobile capabilities.

Vancouver, B.C. - Making it easier for brand fans and consumers to navigate and learn about its products, G3, manufacturer of industry-leading skis and backcountry tools and accessories, this week launched a new web site and digital platform at www.genuinueguidegear.com.

The new site focuses on offering a clean, easy-to-navigate overview of G3 products, while simultaneously allowing consumers to dig deeper into product technology and specifications if they want to. The site also expands on brand-level storytelling features through an updated and integrated blog and social platforms.

Designed by VentureWeb, a full-service boutique digital agency based near G3 in Squamish, the redesigned interface also placed a premium on mobile compatibility. The new site delivers a full mobile user experience for both hand-held devices and tablets.

“At G3, we’re always looking for more effective ways to interact with our customers and people who want to learn more about the brand, so updating our site to one that is readily available on many types of devices is one thing that helps us do that,” said Oliver Steffen, founder and president of G3.

Additional features of the website include a new platform nicknamed The Clump, which integrates G3’s social properties and unbiased media information about the brand. The Clump aggregates reviews, awards and videos about G3 products and athletes. Visitors to the site also can access the G3 Houseblend Blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed, Flickr photos, and videos on Vimeo and YouTube, as well as photos and videos that are hosted on the G3 site.

Finally, the new web site also offers direct sales capabilities via the G3 Warehouse, with a focus on making it easy to purchase a G3 product in the event a Canadian or U.S. consumer is looking for an item not immediately available through a local retailer.

About G3
Based in Vancouver, B.C., G3 Genuine Guide Gear is manufacturer of industry-leading gear for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. It has been making avalanche safety equipment since 1995. The G3 product line includes skis, alpine-touring and telemark ski bindings, climbing skins, avalanche shovels, probes and other backcountry accessories. G3 was founded on the principle that gear built for backcountry guides should be manufactured to the highest standards, which has helped the company gain a reputation as an industry innovator. For more information, visit www.genuineguidegear.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/genuineguidegear, or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/g3gear.

( Industry News Release Written By: Dave Simpson - Verde PR )

Business news :New Tradewinz Service Helps Small Business Owners Make More Money, Features Martin Racing Performance!

MIAMI, FL  – September 26, 2012 –  Martin Racing Performance, a Miami-based supplier of OEM and performance parts, announced today that it has signed on to be a featured seller with Tradewinz an online and software solution for US Powersports stores.
The service specializes in helping small businesses find suppliers who offer wholesale pricing.

Tradewinz also features suppliers who are offering special deals –for the Powersports industry, featured seller MRP is offering special discounts (mention code: tradewinz) on OEM and performance parts for scooters.  To learn more about Tradewinz click here.  http://www.tradewinz.co/supplierdirectorynewsletter/

The trial run is a new national concierge service launching to help small business owners locate hard to find parts. How does Tradewinz work? It helps small businesses make more money on items for resell, by finding trusted, wholesale suppliers who offer better prices or new products that can attract more customers. Buyers enter criteria for the products or sellers they are looking for.  Next, tradewinz agents will conduct a custom search (usually within one business day) and send the results to the buyer.

To find out more visit: http://www.tradewinz.co/supplierdirectorynewsletter/

MRP sells Replacement original (OEM) Scooter, ATV, GoKart parts as well as High Performance engine parts and tuning accessories from Stage6, SSP, Motoforce, STR8, Malossi, Polini, Hebo, Naraku, Top Performances, Arreche and others. Racing cylinder kits, exhaust systems, clutches, variators, carburetors, drive belts optic tuning accessories and more.
If interested in stocking, repairing, or drop shipping contact MRP about its custom Quickbooks csv file today. MRP now offers for free Real Time inventory updates that you can upload to your Quickbooks file or website for easy drop shipping.

Web Site: http://www.martinracingdealer.com/

Online Parts Catalog: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/d83097ef

OEM PDF Manuals for hundreds of scooters!

http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm

 ABOUT MARTIN RACING PERFORMANCE
Based in Miami Florida since 2000 the heart of the American scooter import scene MRP distributes OEM parts for TNG (CMSI) select models of CF Moto, Daelim, Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia, Kymco, Malaguti of Italy (www.Malaguti.com) Keeway Southeast (including Keeway Vento QJ Andretti Yamati models) CPI Taiwan Powersports Factory Brands, Diamo, Cubik (matches OEM Vento part numbers) as well as QJ and ZNEN Motor (who manufacture bikes for a variety of scooter importers such as FlyScooters, GMI, Italica, ModCycles, Lance, BMS, Qlink, and more) MRP also acquired the assets of United Motors of America (UM Motorcycles used Wangye and Hyosung private label scooters and motorcycles) MRP now has over 20,000 parts online and works with drop shippers, online ecommerce stores, and retail repair shops looking at stocking the best in parts for scooters.

(Motor Sports Newswire) 

New products: Pearl Izumi presents X Project, a new category of mountain bike footwear.

LOUISVILLE, Colo.—Pearl Izumi presents X Project, a new category of mountain bike footwear that hikes and runs as well as it pedals a bike, the company reports. This performance shoe weighs in at 320-grams, with a patent-pending tuned carbon shank said to provide power transfer equal to any mountain bike shoe the company offers while offering vertical and torsional flexibility during off-the-bike foot strikes.

“For serious mountain bike junkies, cyclocross addicts and anyone who pushes the limits, the question isn’t whether you’re going to get off the bike and hoof it, the question is when,” said Tony Torrance, cycling footwear product line manager. Created with insight from four-time MTB champion Brian Lopes and all-mountain, BMX standout Ross Schnell, the X Project line is made with technologically advanced materials and tested specifically for the professional level athletes that wear the brand.

“For years mountain bikers have had to compromise a comfortable off the bike shoe for on bike stiffness and power; lightweight materials for more durable, heavy components, breathability for foot protection. This is the first shoe that can do both, superbly.” said Lopes “This X Project shoe is everything we have been dreaming of as we spend long hours on and off our bikes, trekking up hills, running through streams and forging paths when we’re not shredding the single track.”

( by AOB Editor )