Neoducts : Loaded Boards Uncorks The Tesseract

Loaded Boards releases their new freeride skateboard, the Tesseract. Made from bamboo, glass and epoxy composite skins and cork, these boards are versatile, high performance quiver killers.

Culver City, CA (PRWEB) June 28, 2013

Escaping the three-dimensional confines of contemporary skateboarding, the Tesseract has arrived to open the doors of perception. The Tesseract integrates rocker, wheel well flares, W concave, and multiple wheelbase options into a lightweight package perfectly sized for big mountain roads, slide jams, and campus manual pads alike. Stash the quiver, clear your mind, and let the Tesseract be your versatile companion in the quest for four-wheeled illumination.

• Symmetrical rocker for locked-in slides
• Pronounced wheel well flares for increased wheel clearance and ergonomics
• Wide and tall W concave mellows out near the trucks for strong lateral support in slides and tucking comfort
• Symmetrical shape and contours for maximum versatility
• Wide kicktails with subtle dished concave for enhanced control
• Multiple wheelbase options for fine tuning based on riding style and truck geometry
• Dual vertically-laminated bamboo core sandwiched between custom fiberglass/epoxy skins for a thin, stiff, and lightweight ride with massive pop
• Cork bottom layer for vibration damping and abrasion resistance

The Tesseract will be available in select shops worldwide on July 23rd.

For more information, please visit the Tesseract product page:http://www.loadedboards.com/boards/tesseract
Here's a video teaser featuring our crew as they rip around Southern California on the Tesseract:YouTube - Loaded Tesseract Teaser (OFFICIAL)
The third dimension is so passé.

Trade shows : Singapore Yacht Show 2014 Dates Announced

Fresh from the success of this year's Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) in April, the organisers have just announced the dates for the fourth edition of this rapidly growing regional yachting and boating showpiece, which will run from the 10th to the 13th April 2014.

Returning once again to the vibrant atmosphere of ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa Cove, the 2014 event will continue to build upon the strong results of this year’s show, which saw both visitor registration numbers and on-water yacht and boat displays double from the previous year.

 

What's new for the Singapore Yacht Show 2014?

SYS 2014 will see a key evolution by bringing the largest superyachts on show –some measuring over 70m, or 230ft in length - into the main on-water exhibition area. This will create an even more impressive spectacle for next year’s show, as the entire range of vessels, from run-abouts to superyachts, will all be on display together.

"Given the overwhelming interest, and having listened to the feedback from this year's exhibitors, we are delighted that our ever-supportive venue host, ONE°15 Marina Club, immediately agreed to make the necessary arrangements to bring the big boats up in front of the Club next year. The new layout includes a lot of extra berths, and will allow the Singapore Yacht Show to grow significantly from the record numbers we have already seen this year,” commented Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of organisers Singapore Yacht Events (SYE).

Exhibitors and visitors alike agree that the ONE°15 Marina Club, located in the ultra-chic and wonderfully cosmopolitan Sentosa Cove, with its waterfront bars, restaurants and hotel, is the perfect venue for a regional show - just as Singapore is proving to be the ideal business hub for the future of yachting and boating in Asia.

The event will be held at Sentosa Cove for at least the next two years as part of a renewed venue and

sponsorship agreement with Sentosa Development Corporation and SUTL Pte Ltd, the owner and manager of ONE°15 Marina Club.

Mr Mike Barclay, CEO of Sentosa Development Corporation said, “We are delighted by the success of the Singapore Yacht Show and we look forward to hosting it again next year. The Show resonates well with Sentosa Cove’s vision to be a leading waterfront residential community. Not only does it afford Cove residents an opportunity to witness a world-class showcase of superyachts on their doorstep, it also injects vibrancy for our Cove guests and enhances business opportunities for our myriad of specialty shops, restaurants, hotels and leisure facilities on the island.”

 

New Event Director

All at Singapore Yacht Events are delighted with the news that  Phil Blake, a veteran of the South East Asian yachting and marina scene, has joined the company as Event Director. One-time marina manager of Singapore's Raffles Marina, and recently returned from a six-year stint in the Middle East where he was General Manager of the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Phil will lead the Singapore Yacht Events team and oversee the future editions of the Singapore Yacht Show, as well as the development of new events for the company.

 

Exciting new event announcement to follow shortly

The SYS team will also shortly be announcing the launch of a new annual charter yacht show, to be hosted at Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket. The inaugural event will be held in mid-December 2014, and will combine the best aspects of yacht charter, brokerage, boating industry and luxury lifestyle shows.
Designed to attract industry and consumers alike, the venue is the biggest superyacht marina in South East Asia, and is currently being re-developed by its owners to double its existing number of large yacht berths.

 

Singapore Yacht Show 2013 image and film galleries

If you missed out on the Singapore Yacht Show 2013, or would simply like to revisit this year’s event, click here to view the photos and here to view the films. For show enquiries please contact:  Andy Treadwell and for media enquiries contact:  Nicola Tyler.

souirce Singapore Yacht Show

Business news : US Blanks and INCIDE Technology form partnership

The world’s leading surfboard blank manufacturer, US Blanks has announced a deal to manufacture and distribute INCIDE Blank Technology. INCIDE is a carbon fiber, miniature surfboard known as the “Brain”, positioned inside the foam surfboard blank and serving as a stringer replacement. Dan Mann, former head of research and design at Firewire Surfboards and creator of INCIDE, has spent 13 years developing the design. US Blanks has partnered with Mann to manufacture INCIDE Blanks at their facility in Southern California and distribute them via their worldwide network.

"Carbon fiber has been used to improve elite equipment in every other sport from golf, to snowboarding, to race cars. It's an incredible material that allows us to fortify and bolster traditional surfboard designs." Dan Mann, INCIDE Blanks

Surfboard construction materials have remained relatively unchanged since the introduction of polyurethane foam in the 1950s. Dan Mann has been shaping surfboards and working with alternative materials for 20 years. He began working with carbon fiber in the year 2000. “The material is 5 times stronger than steel, but retains flex properties that are similar to a traditional wood stringer”, Mann explains.  The need for new material became evident as surfers complained about surfboards losing their liveliness after extended use. “The real selling point for INCIDE is not just the strength and flex, but rather, the return to static.” Mann explains that traditional wood stringers lose a percentage of their return to static each time the wood is stressed or flexed. This translates as a less lively, less responsive, and ultimately, underperforming surfboard. With INCIDE, even if the foam exterior absorbs superficial damage, such as heal dents and minor dings, the overall flex pattern and the board’s performance remains unchanged. Mann states that, “INCIDE blanks perform at their optimal level for an indefinite timeline.”

“The carbon fiber ‘Brain’ provides supreme strength and flex pattern, but the EPS foam shell allows the shaper the same creative freedom as a traditional blank. There is no new learning curve with INCIDE. The only difference is felt by the surfer, in the form of added performance and life of the board.” US Blanks.

US Blanks is the world’s largest manufacturer of surfboard blanks. Made entirely in the USA, US Blanks has warehouses in California and Florida and distributions partners worldwide.

By press release

Business news : Beneteau reports uplift in boat business

Barracuda 7

Growth outside of Europe boosts boat sales 3.5% in 3Q 2013
                   
The Beneteau Group has reported consolidated sales of €597.8 million through the third quarter of its 2013 year, with the Boat segment gaining 3.5% to €440.1 million for the first nine months, compared to the same period last year.
                   
The company said its performance was underpinned by expansion outside of Europe, where sales were up 34% at the end of May 2013 compared with the end of May 2012, representing a total of nearly €146 million.
                   
In North  America, Beneteau said sailboats have been driving results in the region, while its increasing investment in the motorboat sector over recent years has paved the way for growth of more than 40% for next fiscal year.  The report also cited Asia and South America as growth regions for its boat business, while the European market has contracted 15% in line with expectations.
                  
In terms of product lines, Beneteau said sales of its large motor yacht range incorporating the Prestige and Monte Carlo Yacht brands, doubled in the first nine month of the current financial year to reach €34 million. The builder expects the range to be further strengthened with the launch of MCY 86 at the Cannes boat show this autumn.
                   
Beneteau said its balance sheet remained healthy and has continued to support “a dynamic rate of product development.”
                   
The French boatbuilder is the top producer of sailboats worldwide and a global leader in the production of motorboats and yachts. Its brands include Beneteau, Jenneau, Lagoon, Monte Carlo Yachts, Prestige Yachts and CNB custom yachts, with production facilities in France, the US, Poland, Italy and Brazil. The boat segment represented approximately 73% of sales in its last fiscal year, with sailboats accounting for 41% and motorboats representing 32%. The remainder of the business is generated in the European leisure home market, where sales through the third quarter were down nearly -15% to €157.7 million.
                   
Over coming years, the company expects the motor boat segment to represent a growing proportion of the business.
                   
As a result of performance through the first nine months of its 2012-13 financial year, Bénéteau said it was able to confirm its full year forecasts, announced in January 2013, which called for 1.3% growth in boat sales to €618 million compared to €609.9 million the previous year.  Fourth-quarter sales for the Beneteau Group will be announced on September 23rd, 2013.

source Beneteau Group through IBI

Business news : NIKE, Inc. Reports FY2013 Q4 and Full Year Results

Strong demand for NIKE, Inc brands drove Q4 revenue to $6.7 billion, up 7 percent, or 9 percent on a currency neutral basis. Fiscal 2013 revenues from continuing operations were $25.3 billion, up 8 percent, or 11 percent excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency.

• Fourth quarter revenues from continuing operations up 7 percent to $6.7 billion, up 9 percent excluding currency changes
• Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share from continuing operations up 27 percent to $0.76
• Fiscal 2013 revenues from continuing operations up 8 percent to $25.3 billion, up 11 percent excluding currency changes
• Fiscal 2013 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations up 11 percent to $2.69
• NIKE Brand futures orders up 8 percent
• Inventories as of May 31, 2013 up 7 percent

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today reported fiscal 2013 financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended May 31, 2013. For continuing operations, strong demand for NIKE, Inc brands drove fourth quarter revenue to $6.7 billion, up 7 percent, or 9 percent on a currency neutral basis. Fourth quarter diluted EPS from continuing operations grew faster than revenue, up 27 percent, mainly as a result of gross margin expansion, a lower effective tax rate and a lower average share count.

Fiscal 2013 revenues from continuing operations were $25.3 billion, up 8 percent, or 11 percent excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency. For continuing operations, fiscal 2013 diluted EPS growth outpaced revenue growth, up 11 percent to $2.69, primarily due to gross margin improvement, a lower tax rate and a lower average share count, which more than offset the impact of SG&A deleverage.

"Fiscal 2013 was a great year for NIKE, driven by our innovative products and the power of our brands,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO of NIKE, Inc. “And we’re excited about what lies ahead. We have the best leadership team in the industry and a deep innovation pipeline. Both are aligned against our biggest opportunities to drive growth, manage risk and drive long-term shareholder value."*

Q4 Income Statement Review — Continuing Operations

• Revenues for NIKE, Inc. increased 7 percent to $6.7 billion, or up 9 percent on a currency neutral basis. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency, NIKE Brand revenues rose 8 percent with growth across each product type and in every geography except Western Europe and Greater China.  For the fourth quarter, NIKE Brand revenues were higher in Running, Basketball, Men’s Training, and Women’s Training, offsetting slight declines in Sportswear, Action Sports and Football (Soccer), which reflects comparisons to strong sales in advance of the European Football Championships in 2012. Revenues for Other Businesses grew 10 percent, including a 1 point reduction from changes in currency exchange rates, as revenues increased for each business during the quarter.
• Gross margin increased 110 basis points to 43.9 percent. Gross margin benefited from pricing actions, easing materials costs and favorable comparisons to last year, when gross margin was reduced by higher investments in the Company’s digital business and an unanticipated customs assessment in the Emerging Markets geography. The positive impact of these factors was partially offset by higher labor costs, unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates and higher discounts, particularly in Greater China as the Company continues to work with its retailers to optimize marketplace inventory.
• Selling and administrative expenses grew at the same rate as revenue, up 7 percent to $2.0 billion. Demand creation expenses were $642 million, down 13 percent due to higher prior year spending in support of the European Football Championships, the Summer Olympics and key product launches. Operating overhead expense increased 19 percent to $1.4 billion due to additional investments in the Company’s wholesale and Direct to Consumer businesses.
• Other expense, net was $13 million, primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange losses. For the quarter, the Company estimates the year-over-year change in foreign currency related gains and losses included in other expense, net, combined with the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the translation of foreign currency-denominated profits, decreased pretax income by approximately $18 million.
• The effective tax rate was 22.8 percent compared to 23.9 percent for the same period last year. The decrease was primarily driven by a net reduction of tax reserves on foreign operations, partially offset by an increase in the percentage of earnings in higher tax jurisdictions.
• Net Income increased 25 percent to $696 million while Diluted earnings per share increased 27 percent to $0.76, reflecting a 2 percent decline in the number of weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.

 

FY2013 Income Statement Review - Continuing Operations

• Revenues for NIKE, Inc. were up 8 percent to $25.3 billion, up 11 percent on a currency neutral basis.
  • NIKE Brand revenues rose 11 percent excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency, driven by growth in each key category, product type and geography except Greater China. On a currency-neutral basis, NIKE Brand wholesale revenues increased 8 percent to $18.4 billion, while Direct to Consumer revenues grew 24 percent to $4.3 billion, driven by 14 percent growth in same store sales and new door expansion. As of May 31, 2013 the NIKE Brand had 645 DTC stores in operation as compared to 557 a year ago.
  • Revenues for Other Businesses grew 9 percent with no significant impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, driven by growth across all businesses.

• Gross margin increased 10 basis points to 43.6 percent, primarily driven by higher selling prices and easing material costs. These positive factors were largely offset by higher labor costs, unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates, a shift in the mix of the Company’s revenues to lower margin geographies, products and businesses, and higher discounts, particularly in Greater China.
• Selling and administrative expenses grew at a faster rate than revenue, up 10 percent to $7.8 billion. Demand creation expense increased 5 percent to $2.7 billion due to marketing support for the European Football Championships, Summer Olympics and other key product and brand initiatives, as well as an increase in sports marketing expense. Operating overhead expense increased 13 percent to $5.0 billion due to additional investments made in the Company’s wholesale and Direct to Consumer businesses.
• Other income, net was $15 million for the fiscal year, primarily comprised of non-operating items and net foreign currency related losses. For the year, the Company estimates the year-over-year change in foreign currency related gains and losses included in other income, net, combined with the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the translation of foreign currency-denominated profits, decreased pretax income by $56 million.
• The effective tax rate was 24.7 percent compared to 25.0 percent for fiscal 2012.
• Net Income increased 9 percent to $2.5 billion and Diluted earnings per share increased 11 percent to $2.69, reflecting higher net income and a 2 percent decline in the number of weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.

 

May 31, 2013 Balance Sheet Review

• Inventories for NIKE, Inc. were $3.4 billion, up 7 percent from May 31, 2012. NIKE Brand inventories increased 8 percent, with 6 percentage points of growth due to higher unit inventories to support future demand and the remainder driven by changes in foreign exchange rates and product costs.
• Cash and short-term investments at period-end were $6.0 billion, $2.2 billion higher than last year mainly as a result of proceeds from the issuance of debt in the fourth quarter, proceeds from the sale of the Umbro and Cole Haan businesses, higher net income and continued focus on working capital management.

 

Share Repurchases

During the fourth quarter, NIKE, Inc. repurchased a total of 4.2 million shares for approximately $242 million. For the fiscal year, the Company repurchased a total of 33.5 million shares for approximately $1.7 billion.
Repurchases for the fiscal year were made in conjunction with two approved repurchase programs. In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company completed its previous four-year, $5 billion share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in September 2008 under which the Company purchased a total of 118.8 million shares. Having completed the previous program, the Company began repurchases under the four-year, $8 billion program approved by the Board of Directors in September 2012. Of the total shares repurchased during the fiscal year, 15.3 million shares for approximately $789 million were purchased under this program.

 

Futures Orders

As of the end of the quarter, worldwide futures orders for NIKE Brand athletic footwear and apparel, scheduled for delivery from June through November 2013 totaled $12.1 billion, 8 percent higher than orders reported for the same period last year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact on total reported futures orders growth.*

 

Discontinued Operations

The Company continually evaluates its existing portfolio of businesses to ensure resources are invested in those businesses that are accretive to the NIKE Brand and represent the greatest growth potential and highest returns. During the 2013 fiscal year, the Company completed the divestures of the Umbro and Cole Haan businesses, allowing the Company to focus resources on driving growth in the NIKE, Jordan, Converse and Hurley brands.
For the 2013 fiscal year the Company’s net income from discontinued operations was $21 million, which represents the net gain on the sale of these two businesses, net of operating losses, divestiture transaction costs, and tax expense. As of May 31, 2013 the Company had substantially completed all transition services related to the sale of both businesses.

 

Conference Call

NIKE, Inc. management will host a conference call beginning at approximately 2:00 p.m. PT on June 27, 2013 to review fiscal fourth quarter and full year results. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed at http://investors.nikeinc.com. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, an archived version will be available at the same location through 9:00 p.m. PT, July 4, 2013.

http://services.choruscall.com/links/nike130627.html

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at http://investors.nikeinc.com and individuals can follow @NIKE.

• The marked paragraph contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed by Nike with the S.E.C., including Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K. Some forward-looking statements in this release concern changes in futures orders that are not necessarily indicative of changes in total revenues for subsequent periods due to the mix of futures and “at once” orders, exchange rate fluctuations, order cancellations, discounts and returns, which may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, and because a significant portion of the business does not report futures orders.

​

View the NIKE, Inc. FY13 Q4 combined financial schedules. 

View the NIKE, Inc. FY13 Q4 press release.

View the NIKE, Inc. Q4 FY13 earnings call transcript. 

Environment news : Trek, Alchemy Goods and REI Stores to Recycle Bike Tubes for Accessories Maker Alchemy Goods

Alchemy Goods, manufacturer of upcycled bags and accessories, has partnered with Trek and REI to create a bike tube recycling network with 600 locations in nearly every state.

This network already includes over 600 locations, including Trek dealers, REI stores and independent bike shops in nearly every state. To-date, Alchemy Goods has collected over 400,000 bicycle inner tubes — thereby diverting them from the landfill. It hopes to increase that number to 1 million by the end of 2014 through the new network.

Cycling is on the rise as more cities adopt bike-friendly measures including the addition of bike lanes and bike share programs. According to the League of American Bicyclists, bike commuting grew by 47-percent nationwide between 2000 and 2011. In fact, over 13 million bikes were purchased last year alone. From those purchased, 26 million bike tubes will end up in the landfill within two years. This is harmful to the environment since rubber can take anywhere from decades to hundreds of years to decompose.

“Our partnership with Alchemy is a reflection of our love of cycling and our commitment to serving our members,” said Kirk Myers, REI’s manager of sustainability. “REI is happy to be a part of this network, and collaborate with like-minded companies who share our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.”

Alchemy Goods aims to collect over 200,000 bike tubes by the end of this year — more than double what was collected in 2012. The alliance with Trek and REI and hundreds of independent bike shops aims to collect one million used bike tubes by the end of 2014.

“As part of our sustainability initiative, we’re always looking for innovative ways to recycle materials, and Alchemy is the perfect partner for that,” said Trek Director of Advocacy Brandon Buth. “We are aiming to collect tubes at each of our 1,800 retailers across the U.S., making recycling easy and accessible.”

Recycling program partners collect used tubes when shop mechanics service bikes or when customers drop them off. The tubes are then delivered to Alchemy Goods’ 5,300-square-foot warehouse and workshop in Seattle, where they are stored and sorted, and hand-crafted into finished product. Alchemy Goods accepts most tubes — even those with patches, which add character to the finished product. The company uses as much of the tube as possible, including the valve stem, which is used for zipper pulls.

“The reason these rubber tubes don’t break down in the landfill is the same reason Alchemy Goods uses them to create our products. The material is durable, water resistant, flexible, and — might I add — stylish,” said owner and chief alchemist Eli Reich. “Recycling turns stuff into the same thing over and over again. Upcyling turns something of lesser value into something of greater value.”

When Alchemy Goods started in 2004, Reich would visit Seattle-area bike shops to pick up used bike tubes to make messenger bags. Alchemy Goods now manufactures nearly 50 products — including bags, purses, wallets, belts, travel kits, and more — in over 200 styles from reclaimed bike inner tubes, seatbelts, and old advertising banners. Each piece is unique and handmade. The products are sold online, and in over 300 boutiques and bike shops nationwide.

Seattle-based Alchemy Goods has been manufacturing upcycled bags and accessories since 2004 from reclaimed materials, including used bike tubes, seat belts, and advertising banners. From bags to belts, the company’s line includes nearly 50 products available in over 200 styles.

Source Alchemy through SportsOneSource

Business news : Sealine brand acquired by Hanse owners

The Sealine brand was sold on 26 June to a ‘newly founded subsidiary’ of Aurelius AG, the pan-European investment holding specialist company.

Aurelius AG acquired a majority stake in HanseYachts AG in March 2011. The Hanse portfolio includes Hanse, Moody, Dehler and Fjord.

A statement from the Sealine Joint Administrators said the acquirer plans to produce the 380 and 450 series models through contract manufacturers and those assets will be shipped overseas.
The remaining unfinished boats in that series have been acquired by another entity, whose intention is also to ship those assets overseas.

The Joint Administrators are now in the process of conducting a disposal of the remaining plant, machinery and equipment and stock and the remaining 34 employees will be assisting the Joint Administrators with the disposal processes and removal of assets from the freehold premises in Kidderminster which will be marketed for sale in due course.

source Hanse through Boating Business

Retail news : Converse to Unveil Largest Inline Retail Store In San Francisco

First Converse store in Northern California offers the most diverse collection of footwear and apparel globally. 

CONVERSE Inc. announces the opening of its first Northern California location in San Francisco, the brand’s fifth inline location in the U.S. Located on Market Street in the heart of the Union Square Shopping District, the store boasts 8,200 square feet of selling floor and will be the brand’s largest retail space. The Market Street location offers the largest assortment of Converse footwear, apparel and accessories globally, along with Converse Customization, a unique and personalization process for designing one-of-a-kind Converse sneakers and clothing.

“Opening a retail store in San Francisco is a perfect fit for Converse, a city with a creative spirit similar to ours. We’re thrilled to offer local consumers an outlet to unleash their creativity and participate in our brand through our in-store customization and various music and art programs supported by the brand,” said Jonathan Tappan, General Merchandise Manager, Direct to Consumer for Converse.

The Converse Customization interactive retail experience allows individuals to screen-print their own designs or graphics selected from the Converse catalog on various styles of Converse footwear, apparel and accessories. Using iPads, customers can browse more than 150 Converse-curated graphics including designs that tie back to the San Francisco community, to create their own product by adding grommets, different colored shoe laces and more.

The store’s design pays tribute to the building’s original structure as seen through authentic and raw industrial elements including original concrete and tile throughout. The center staircase is located at the center of the store providing customers the opportunity to shop two floors of curated destinations for the All Star, Cons and Jack Purcell collections. The second floor will house women’s, kids and premium footwear collections, the latter of which will be located in a gallery-like space called the Ellis Room alongside the work of local artists. The Ellis Room also will host in-store music performances and events. A limited-edition Chuck Taylor All Star San Francisco collection with graphics that feature well-known local landmarks will be sold in store for $65.

The grand opening of the Converse San Francisco store was 10 a.m., June 28. The store’s operating hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Converse San Francisco 838 Market Street, San Francisco, California, 91402, 415-433-1174

ABOUT CONVERSE
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including lifestyle men's, women's and children’s footwear, apparel and accessories. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 79 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Media.Converse.com.

PRESS CONTACTS : 
Lacy Pica        
Converse         
646-563-7830 / lacy.pica@converse.com /Kelly Ricci         HL Group
646-460-8907 / kricci@hlgrp.com

Business people : Giorgio Girelli has been appointed the new Vice Executive President of MV Agusta

The Varese Based Company, on the Strength of Excellent Results and International Prospects, Looks to Stock Exchange Listing in the Medium Term.

June 26, 2013 –  Giorgio Girelli has been appointed the new Vice Executive President of MV Agusta Motor SpA. From 2000 to 2012 the 53 year old Girelli set up and launched Banca Generali to success while serving as the Chief Executive Officer and then President managing the Bank’s IPO in 2006 with considerable success. Previously he spent over 15 years in management consulting with Roland Berger, holding positions at international level.

“Giorgio Girelli’s addition to the Board of Directors of MV Agusta is the beginning of a process aimed at further growth, particularly in high-potential international markets. Girelli brings unique and valuable expertise to the Company combined with a sincere passion for motorcycles and the MV brand. Over the next 3 years we can aim for the doubling of sales, with a solid capital structure, and we are convinced that the outcome will be the listing of the Company on the Stock Exchange”, noted Giovanni Castiglioni, President of MV Agusta Motor SpA.

In 2012, MV Agusta posted strong growth, both in terms of sales (+86,5%) and revenue (+49,5%) thanks to the development of the product range and the introduction of the new 3-cylinder platform with the F3 675, Brutale 675 models.

In 2013, the Company has continued to achieve double digit growth supported by a further strengthening of the 3-cylinder range with the introduction of the Brutale 800, F3 800 and the new 4 cylinder F4 and Brutale 1090. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2013 the Rivale 800 will enter into production. The Rivale has already been named king of EICMA 2012 and in recent months has received advanced orders exceeding expectations opening up the Motard market segment to MV Agusta.

Source MV Agusta through Motor Sports Newsire

Business news : German boatbuilder Bavaria explains reasons for selling Grand Soleil brand

German boatbuilder Bavaria has issued a statement following its recent decision, as reported in IBI, to separate from Grand Soleil, after two years.
                  
Grand Soleil was purchased in October 2011 out of a 'Concordato Preventivo' procedure, a consensual composition with creditors which started almost a year before.
                  
The statement reads: "The acquisition was executed on the backdrop of a recovering market after the 2008-09 recession and an ambitious development plan in terms of new products and markets.
                 
 "Grand Soleil added a strategic complementary product range to the Bavaria Group. Over €40m were invested to restructure and re-launch the company through the course of two years. These massive capital investments resulted in a far better and more efficient business: new products, improved market presence, improved dealer network and more efficient production.
                 
 "However, the boating industry is in the midst of a severe recession, particularly affecting the Italian market to which Grand Soleil is very dependent. In addition, Grand Soleil requires further investment to support its development into segments outside the 'Performance' niche and into new markets."
                  
Constantin von Bülow, CEO of Bavaria, added: “Given that our priority is and remains Bavaria, we decided not to deploy further capital into Grand Soleil. This will allow us to concentrate the efforts on Bavaria, ensuring that the company will be in the best possible strategic and operational position when the market will eventually recover.”

Source Bavaria through IBI