30/04/2014

Strategic investor group led by CEO Bernard Mariette purchases majority stake in Coalision Inc.

Lole is now poised to leverage last 3 year 130 % growth into international expansion

MONTREAL, April 23, 2014 -- A group of strategic and financial investors led by Bernard Mariette, CEO & President of Coalision Inc., have purchased a  majority interest in Coalision from Kilmer Capital Partners. This investment will enable Coalision's growing activewear brand Lole to expand its retail and Web business internationally as well as its global wholesale business.

The investor group includes strategic and financial partners that offer significant opportunities for Lole through their extensive network, consumer branded products experience, vast retail and distribution knowledge as well as their financial and international strength.  

The strategic and financial partner group includes Pelican LP, Simon Equity Partners, a group comprising Andre Desmarais, certain members of the Hermes family and the Fonds de solidarite FTQ.

"This strategic and financial transaction represents a turning point for Lole as it confers upon us the network, the expertise and the financial strength to compete worldwide with major players in the industry. We believe that this transaction will enable us to achieve our strategic plan," says Bernard Mariette

He added, "We are particularly pleased that the founders of the company, Eric D'Anjou and Evelyn Trempe, as well as Kilmer Capital Partners, who acquired a majority stake in 2008, will retain a significant minority interest. We feel that our company is well rooted and will only grow stronger in the future."

"Since 2009, when Bernard became CEO and initially invested in Coalision, he and his team have been transforming the Company and Lole at all levels, from the product offering to the marketing strategy to the distribution channels. In fact, over the past 3 years, the team has profitably grown revenues by over 130%. Under his leadership and with our new partners, we are convinced that Coalision and Lole will continue their success story. We are delighted to remain a minority shareholder and to be part of the future of Coalision," says Marie-Claude Boisvert, Managing Partner at Kilmer Capital Partners.

Bernard Mariette concluded by saying that "I want to take this opportunity to thank our customers, our business partners and our team for their hard work and on-going support. We are ready and eager to capitalize on Lole and Coalision's multiple opportunities."

About Lole

Lole designs innovative, feminine and functional activewear inspired by active, engaged women around the world. This Canadian brand views well-being as a lifestyle inspired by a healthy blend of urban living, the great outdoors and physical activity. Lole activewear is entirely designed in Montreal and is available in over 1,700 sales outlets worldwide, in Lole Ateliers and at www.lolewomen.com  

About Pelican Investment Funds

Bernard Mariette founded Pelican Investment Funds LP in 2011 alongside two partners, Benat Errandonea and certain members of the Hermes family. The fund is specialized in lifestyle brands with a focus on the sports and apparel industry. It is comprised of about 30 shareholders including senior management of Coalision.

About Simon Equity Partners

Simon Equity Partners is the private investment arm of the Simon family, founders of Simon Property Group, the largest publicly traded real estate company in the United States. Simon Equity Partners leverages its years of retail experience and collective consumer insights to provide guidance and resources to early and expansion-stage companies.

About Kilmer Capital Partners

Kilmer Capital Partners is a $200 million fund specializing making private equity investments in small to mid-sized businesses undergoing periods of rapid growth, significant change or ownership transition.

About the Fonds de solidarite FTQ

Created in 1983, the Fonds de solidarite FTQ is a $9.7 billion development capital fund based in Quebec and has become a hub of knowledge and resources for Quebec businesses and a key player in the local economy.


SOURCE Lole
http://www.lolewomen.com

Goal Zero Names Former REI SVP Lee Fromson as President and Chief Operating Officer

SALT LAKE CITY (April 28, 2014)Goal Zero, innovator of portable solar power systems, announced the appointment of former REI Senior Vice President of Merchandising Lee Fromson to president and chief operating officer.

In addition, the company announced strategic changes to its executive team, with current president and CEO Joe Atkin assuming the role of co-chairman of the board, and Founder and Chief Creative Officer Robert Workman becoming CEO. The personnel changes will enable Goal Zero to continue on its rapid growth path.

“Goal Zero represents a very compelling leadership opportunity, and I am thrilled to be able to serve the company in this new capacity,” said Fromson. “The global opportunity for Goal Zero is vast, and I look forward to driving innovation and guiding the company into its next phase of accelerated growth.”

As the senior vice president of merchandising for REI, Fromson helped double the nation’s leading outdoor retailer’s revenue to $2 billion. In this senior leadership position, he oversaw the company’s merchandising strategy, financial planning, inventory management strategies and vendor partnership development. At REI, Fromson previously held successful roles as interim chief financial officer and vice president of REI Private Brands, a division that accounts for a significant portion of the company’s sales.

Prior to joining REI in 2006, Fromson was president of Cascade Designs, a designer and manufacturer of premier outdoor, recreational and medical rehabilitation products. With ubiquitous brands such as Therm-a-rest™, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Seal Line and Varilite, he spearheaded acquisitions and product diversification for the company. At Cascade, Fromson also served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer after being hired as the company’s controller in 1982.

“Lee is a proven leader and the perfect candidate to help us execute our vision to put power in the hands of every human being,” said Workman, who served as CEO prior to Atkin’s appointment.

“Chris’ experience building premium brands, profitable retail partnerships and consistent growth make him a valuable addition to the Goal Zero senior management team. Joe’s extraordinary passion, vision and leadership catapulted Goal Zero to this next level of organizational growth, and we thank him for his contributions.”

Atkin presided over a period of tremendous growth for the company, including a revenue increase of 16,000 percent since 2009 and a more than doubling of employees in two years. Additional highlights from Atkin’s time include Goal Zero:

“Being part of the Goal Zero team has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life,” Atkin said. “I am extremely proud of the progress we made in advancing our mission to empower people and improve lives through our products. We have exceeded all of our original expectations for the business and I believe we’ve just begun. I am confident that Lee, Robert and Chris will continue Goal Zero’s aggressive growth trajectory, and I look forward to supporting them in my new role.”

About Goal Zero

Goal Zero is the industry leader for renewable and reliable solar power. Born out of the desire to empower people everywhere, Goal Zero’s products are designed to give you the freedom to go anywhere, regardless of battery life. From cellphones to refrigerators, and everything in between, Goal Zero products keep you connected and powered up in any situation. Power. Anything. Anywhere.

For more information, visit goalzero.com.

By press release

PrAna Creates Eco-Friendly Styles

PrAna Creates Eco-Friendly Styles By Working With Globally Recognized Sustainability Experts.

CARLSBAD, CA (April 22, 2014) — Since 2012, PrAna has partnered with Bluesign® to offer a collection that looks good and feels good, thanks to a holistic approach to manufacturing that includes protections for the environment and the health of workers who come into contact with chemicals and dyes.

“We’re proud of our commitment to work with internationally respected agencies like Bluesign® to build a healthier, cleaner, more sustainable supply chain — not just for us, but across the textile industry,” said Scott Kerslake, CEO of prAna. “On Earth Day and every day, we try to be the change we want to see in the world, showing that apparel companies can absolutely make good stuff in a good way with the help of organizations like Bluesign®.”

The Bluesign® System is the highest standard in the textile industry for environmental health & safety and chemical management. It takes into account air and water emissions, as well as occupational health and resource productivity when crafting its guidelines. Since becoming a Bluesign® System partner, prAna has required its entire supply chain to follow the Bluesign® System substance list. It has reduced its packaging by eliminating plastics, while also switching to more sustainable materials. And it is committed to increasing its use of Bluesign® approved fabrics and trims.

“From day one, prAna has been about creating something sustainable and mindful that goes easy on the earth — it’s one of our core values,” said prAna’s founder, Beaver Theodosakis. “We’re proud to uphold the Bluesign® standards, and grateful for its role in helping us find like-minded partners throughout our supply chain. For us, it’s the gold standard.”

“A Bluesign® badge next to our clothes and accessories means that from start to finish, they have met the highest standards for chemical management,” said Nicole Bassett, prAna’s Director of Sustainability. “You don’t need to worry about harmful chemicals being discharged, because they were never used in the manufacturing process to begin with — it’s clothing that’s clean, sustainable and does no harm to the people who made it, or the planet.”

Visit prAna.com to see the Bluesign® Collection, and to learn more about prAna's commitment tosustainability.

About prAna

PrAna is a lifestyle brand that draws its name from the ancient Sanskrit word for breath, life and vitality of the spirit. Born from climbing and yoga, the prAna team creates mindfully-designed, purposeful and stylish apparel for free spirited people to pursue their passions on the water, mat, rock, trail, and street. From its beginning in 1993, prAna has been committed to weaving sustainable practices into its operations and supply chain, working to reduce its impact on soils, water supplies and other natural resources while promoting conservation. PrAna is also conscious of its impact on communities and has worked to include a growing number of fair trade styles every year. It is the first apparel company in North America to offer Fair Trade USA certified products and accessories. PrAna is sold in five flagship stores, online at prana.com, and in 1,400 specialty retailers across the US, Canada, Europe and Asia.

For a list of prAna retailers, please visit http://www.prana.com/dealer-locator.html.
Find their #EarthDay Collection at http://bit.ly/prAnaEarthDayCollection2014


By press release


Crowdfunding : Utah Company to Revolutionize Open-Water Swimming; Seeks Production Funding for IOLITE

EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah, April 29, 2014-- A Utah company is on the brink of revolutionizing the world of open-water swimming with the development of IOLITE, a small, high-precision tracking device that visually guides swimmers to stay on course.

"IOLITE will help you own the course," IOLITE co-founder Raymond Rogers said. "It literally lights the way to the finish line."

IOLITE is a square GPS unit—about the size of a watch face—that fits easily under a swim cap. A small display affixes to the swimmer's goggles and uses green, yellow and red LED lights to keep them on course. In addition to tracking direction, IOLITE also assists swimmers with information on distance, speed and cadence.

"The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, right? It's beginner geometry," said Stephen Holm, co-founder of IOLITE. "But even advanced swimmers struggle to put that rule into practice as they waste precious time and energy zigzagging across open waters."

As software developers by trade, Holm and Rogers help large companies utilize real-time data—which is why they quickly realized the need for more data when they entered the world of competitive triathlons and found swimming to be the hardest component.

"When you swim indoors you have a pace clock on the wall and a lane line on the bottom of the pool," Rogers said. "When you head outdoors, all those advantages disappear…until now. IOLITE truly is a game changer."

In order to test their prototype and polish off the software, IOLITE is raising funds through the crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com. The goal is to get the device into full production so that swimmers of all skill levels can replace fear with confidence.

"We want you to be a part of this project," Holm said. "We need your help to bring this groundbreaking product to life."

About IOLITE's Kickstarter.com Campaign:

The Kickstarter.com fundraising campaign started April 28 and run for 30 days. Those who pledge to support the innovative device will be offered numerous rewards, ranging from a swim cap all the way up to an early-bird IOLITE from the first manufacturing run. 


Read more news from IOLITE.
Media Contact:
Ladd Egan
Sorenson Advertising
435.216.9420
Email

SOURCE IOLITE
http://www.swimiolite.com

Under Armour Reports First Quarter Net Revenues Growth Of 36%; Raises Full Year 2014 Outlook

- First Quarter Net Revenues Increased 36% to $642 Million
- First Quarter Diluted EPS Increased 71% to $0.06, Adjusted for the Company's Two-for-One Stock Split
- Company Raises 2014 Net Revenues Outlook to a Range of $2.88 Billion to $2.91 Billion (+24% to +25%)
- Company Raises 2014 Operating Income Outlook to a Range of $331 Million to $334 Million (+25% to +26%)

BALTIMORE, April 24, 2014-- Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.  Net revenues increased 36% in the first quarter of 2014 to $642 million compared with net revenues of $472 million in the prior year's period.  

Net income increased 73% in the first quarter of 2014 to $14 million compared with $8 million in the prior year's period.  Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2014 were $0.06 per share on weighted average common shares outstanding of 217 million compared with $0.04 per share on weighted average common shares outstanding of 214 million in the prior year's period.  

Diluted earnings per share calculations for both periods reflect the Company's two-for-one stock split effective April 14, 2014.

First quarter apparel net revenues increased 33% to $459 million compared with $346 million in the same period of the prior year, including expanded offerings in categories such as golf, hunting, training, studio, and basketball.  First quarter footwear net revenues increased 41% to $114 million from $81 million in the prior year's period, led by new introductions in running including SpeedForm Apollo.  First quarter accessories net revenues increased 43% to $52 million from $36 million in the prior year's period, primarily driven by headwear.  

 Direct-to-Consumer net revenues, which represented 26% of total net revenues for the first quarter, grew 33% year-over-year.  International net revenues, which represented 9% of total net revenues for the first quarter, grew 79% year-over-year. 

Kevin Plank, Chairman and CEO of Under Armour, Inc., stated, "We are off to a great start in 2014 driven by broad-based strength across our Apparel, Footwear, and International growth drivers.  Our formula for driving newness and innovation in Apparel continues to resonate with consumers and helped deliver over 30% growth for our largest product category.  

That same model is contributing to success in Footwear, where we accelerated growth in running and brought award-winning product to the marketplace with the SpeedForm Apollo.  Finally, we enhanced our ability to reach the global athlete, including the recent expansion of our brand in key Latin American markets, as well as strong gains across Europe and Asia."

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2014 was 46.9% compared with 45.9% in the prior year's quarter, primarily driven by supply chain enhancements and a favorable sales mix in the Factory House outlet business.  Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 42.7% in the first quarter of 2014 compared with 43.1% in the prior year's period.  First quarter operating income increased to $27 million compared with $13 million in the prior year's period.  

Balance Sheet Highlights

Cash and cash equivalents decreased 30% to $180 million at March 31, 2014 compared with $256 million at March 31, 2013.  Inventory at March 31, 2014 increased 46% to $472 million compared with $324 million at March 31, 2013.  The Company had $100 million in debt outstanding under its $300 million revolving credit facility at March 31, 2014. In support of the Company's Connected Fitness platform, the $150 million purchase of MapMyFitness in December was funded using $50 million in cash and $100 million under the revolving credit facility.  Long-term debt, including current maturities, decreased to $52 million at March 31, 2014 from $60 million at March 31, 2013.

Updated 2014 Outlook

Based on current visibility, the Company expects 2014 net revenues in the range of $2.88 billion to $2.91 billion, representing growth of 24% to 25% over 2013, and 2014 operating income in the range of $331 million to $334 million, representing growth of 25% to 26% over 2013.  

Mr. Plank concluded, "This strong start to 2014 illustrates the unlimited potential that still lies ahead for our Brand, whether it is today's opening of our Brand House in New York City or our product hitting shelves for the first time in Brasil.  Our opportunity requires that we remain focused on building powerful product platforms that service athletes at home and abroad, on and off the playing field.  

In the quarters ahead, we will continue to build upon some of our most recent platform launches like SpeedForm and ColdGear Infrared, while also delivering the overall product innovation and performance that athletes have come to expect from our Brand.  

Through the lens of our global Brand Holidays and leveraging our diverse array of sports marketing and Connected Fitness assets, we are well positioned to tell these stories in new and powerful ways."     

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will provide additional commentary regarding its first quarter results as well as its updated 2014 outlook during its earnings conference call today, April 24, at 8:30 a.m. ET.  The call will be webcast live at http://investor.underarmour.com/events.cfm and will be archived and available for replay approximately three hours after the live event.  Additional supporting materials related to the call will also be available at http://investor.underarmour.com. The Company's financial results are also available online at http://investor.underarmour.com/results.cfm.

About Under Armour, Inc.

Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and accessories, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand's innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. Under Armour's wholly owned subsidiary, MapMyFitness, powers one of the world's largest Connected Fitness communities. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.uabiz.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding our future financial condition or results of operations, our prospects and strategies for future growth, the development and introduction of new products, and the implementation of our marketing and branding strategies. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "outlook,"  "potential" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.  The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause events or our actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future events, results, actions, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: changes in general economic or market conditions that could affect consumer spending and the financial health of our retail customers; our ability to effectively manage our growth and a more complex global business; our ability to effectively develop and launch new, innovative and updated products; our ability to accurately forecast consumer demand for our products and manage our inventory in response to changing demands; increased competition causing us to lose market share or reduce the prices of our products or to increase significantly our marketing efforts; fluctuations in the costs of our products; loss of key suppliers or manufacturers or failure of our suppliers or manufacturers to produce or deliver our products in a timely or cost-effective manner; our ability to further expand our business globally and to drive brand awareness and consumer acceptance of our products in other countries; our ability to accurately anticipate and respond to seasonal or quarterly fluctuations in our operating results; our ability to effectively market and maintain a positive brand image; our ability to comply with trade and other regulations; the availability, integration and effective operation of management information systems and other technology; our ability to effectively integrate new businesses and investments into our company; our potential exposure to litigation and other proceedings; and our ability to attract and retain the services of our senior management and key employees. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our views and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
(Tables Follow)


Under Armour, Inc.
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share amounts)




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME






Quarter Ended
March 31,


2014

% of Net
Revenues

2013

% of Net
Revenues
Net revenues

$
641,607


100.0
%

$
471,608


100.0
%
Cost of goods sold

340,917


53.1
%

255,057


54.1
%
Gross profit

300,690


46.9
%

216,551


45.9
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses

273,834


42.7
%

203,059


43.1
%
Income from operations

26,856


4.2
%

13,492


2.9
%
Interest expense, net

(846)


(0.1)
%

(725)


(0.2)
%
Other income (expense), net

(874)


(0.2)
%

240


0.1
%
Income before income taxes

25,136


3.9
%

13,007


2.8
%
Provision for income taxes

11,598


1.8
%

5,193


1.1
%
Net income

$
13,538


2.1
%

$
7,814


1.7
%
Net income available per common share





Basic

$
0.06




$
0.04



Diluted

$
0.06




$
0.04



Weighted average common shares outstanding





Basic

212,383




209,796



Diluted

216,912




214,192





NET REVENUES BY PRODUCT CATEGORY






Quarter Ended
March 31,


2014

2013

% Change
Apparel

$
459,249


$
345,526


32.9
%
Footwear

114,044


80,783


41.2
%
Accessories

51,553


36,082


42.9
%
Total net sales

624,846


462,391


35.1
%
Licensing and other revenues

16,761


9,217


81.8
%
Total net revenues

$
641,607


$
471,608


36.0
%


NET REVENUES BY SEGMENT






Quarter Ended
March 31,


2014

2013

% Change
North America

$
582,552


$
440,868


32.1
%
Other foreign countries and businesses

59,055


30,740


92.1
%
Total net revenues

$
641,607


$
471,608


36.0
%


Under Armour, Inc.
As of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013
(Unaudited; in thousands)







CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS









As of
3/31/14

As of
12/31/13

As of
3/31/13
Assets






Cash and cash equivalents

$
179,926


$
347,489


$
255,722

Accounts receivable, net

331,299


209,952


246,218

Inventories

472,244


469,006


323,509

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

100,857


63,987


37,227

Deferred income taxes

40,831


38,377


24,765

Total current assets

1,125,157


1,128,811


887,441

Property and equipment, net

240,721


223,952


180,591

Goodwill

123,388


122,244



Intangible assets, net

31,571


24,097


3,842

Deferred income taxes

35,538


31,094


26,281

Other long term assets

42,641


47,543


42,333

Total assets

$
1,599,016


$
1,577,741


$
1,140,488

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity






Revolving credit facility

$
100,000


$
100,000


$

Accounts payable

166,920


165,456


127,327

Accrued expenses

103,844


133,729


66,969

Current maturities of long term debt

4,812


4,972


8,787

Other current liabilities

11,676


22,473


3,246

Total current liabilities

387,252


426,630


206,329

Long term debt, net of current maturities

46,846


47,951


51,658

Other long term liabilities

56,341


49,806


39,343

Total liabilities

490,439


524,387


297,330

Total stockholders' equity

1,108,577


1,053,354


843,158

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$
1,599,016


$
1,577,741


$
1,140,488



Under Armour, Inc.


For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013


(Unaudited; in thousands)





CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS







Quarter Ended
March 31,


2014

2013
Cash flows from operating activities




Net income

$
13,538


$
7,814

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities




Depreciation and amortization

17,320


11,842

Unrealized foreign currency exchange rate losses

655


606

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

52


56

Stock-based compensation

13,220


11,908

Deferred income taxes

(6,913)


(5,668)

Changes in reserves and allowances

2,282


3,617

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:




Accounts receivable

(121,091)


(76,018)

Inventories

(3,915)


(4,323)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

(15,479)


9,559

Accounts payable

7,141


(10,558)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

(25,841)


(11,780)

Income taxes payable and receivable

(28,505)


(11,591)

Net cash used in operating activities

(147,536)


(74,536)

Cash flows from investing activities




Purchases of property and equipment

(39,715)


(18,329)

Purchase of business

(10,924)



Purchases of other assets

(261)



Net cash used in investing activities

(50,900)


(18,329)

Cash flows from financing activities




Payments on long term debt

(1,265)


(1,443)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements

24,038


4,222

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other stock issuances

8,627


4,670

Net cash provided by financing activities

31,400


7,449

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(527)


(703)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(167,563)


(86,119)

Cash and cash equivalents




Beginning of period

347,489


341,841

End of period

$
179,926


$
255,722






Non-cash investing and financing activities




Decrease in accrual for property and equipment

$
(8,650)


$
(7,380)




SOURCE Under Armour, Inc.
http://www.underarmour.com