Absolute Distributors Founder Ben Mackay said, “Luke and Steve are living legends in the world of barbering and their brand’s explosion within their own scene reminds me a lot of my humble beginnings within the skate industry. When they approached me to work with them as a partner, it was an easy decision not only because Luke, Steve and Kiera are great people, but their products are absolutely fantastic.”
For the official word, follow the jump to see their products in person check out their booth at the Agenda Show in Long Beach. [click to continue…]
Calling Billabong’s last year a “blown-out” session would be an understatement. The company has sold off a piece of itself, turned down a good buy-out offer, lost an OK buy-out offer (along with two others), and now is considering another from Billabong America’s Paul Naude.
It’s not exactly the best time for the companies CFO to quit, but that’s what happened last night (December 19, 2012) according to a company update.
Billabong International Limited (Billabong or Company) advises that after seven years’ service with the Company, Craig White, Chief Financial Officer has left the organisation effective today. . . The Company would like to thank Craig for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
In the meantime Peter Bryant, the America’s CFO, will apparently fill in for the global brand while they hunt for a suitable replacement. The release mentioned to reason for White’s sudden departure.
Raen, the Encinitas, California based eyewear company has just launched a collaboration with Deus Ex Machina on three classic Raen styles. The Lenox, Squire, and Underwood.
Each handmade piece of eyewear features an exclusive woodgrain matte acetate finish, Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision lenses and custom etched Deus logo details.The limited edition exterior packaging features a motorcycle print designed by Deus Creative Director Carby Tuckwell, as well as a custom eyewear sock and optics case for additional carrying protection.
The new shades retailer for between $117 and $157. Follow the jump to ’em out. [click to continue…]
The six-year-old UK based snowboard glove company Transform is now rolling in the USA (Thanks to Brown Bag Distribution and Midwest OG Tim Bean) and they’ve signed Nick Visconti to the team.
“In today’s market, snowboarding brands are a dime a dozen,” Nick Visconti tells us. “What makes a lasting impact and sustainable growth for a brand is a vision, mission and commitment- all three are key elements that Transform gloves has. Add innovation, premium fabrics and a grassroots marketing campaign, Transform Gloves is the future for progressive technical snowboarding hand wear. I am excited to promote and advocate for Transform Gloves.”
Nike doesn’t seem afraid to shift things around and today they moved former VP of Action Sports Sandy Bodecker to work on “special project involving long-term production innovation” and pushed former Hurley President Roger Wyett (pictured left with Bob Hurley) into the VP of Action Sports job, according to a story on Oregon Live.
In addition, Nike announced that Jim Calhoun, chief executive of Converse Inc., will report directly to company Chief Executive Mark Parker. . . “Roger’s leadership over these important businesses will help continue to drive success for Nike,” Parker said. “I’d like to thank Sandy for his strong leadership over the last five years and look forward to his continued significant contributions to the company. . . Scott LeClair, vice president and general manager of Nike Skate and Nike Snow, will report to Wyett. Bob Hurley, currently the interim Hurley chief executive, will also remain in that position and will report to Wyett.
Maybe these moves are a result of recent reorganization on Nike surf vs. Hurley issue. Sounds like someone at Nike is continuing to put ducks in orderly rows for a change.
Thanks to all kinds of rumors surrounding a possible $1.10 a share buy-out by Billabong America’s president Paul Naude, trading in the company’s stock has once again been halted, according to a story in the Hearld Sun.
Mr Naude, who stepped aside from the role last month to investigate a management buyout, is believed to have lined up US-based private equity group Sycamore Partners to help fund the deal. . . According to market speculation, the offer was put to Billabong chairman Ian Pollard late on Friday. . . It would value the company at $526.8 million. . . The group’s shares jumped to a two-month high of $1.01 yesterday as opportunity-hungry investors leapt on early speculation of a deal shortly after 11am.
The halt on trading was requested by the company “until tomorrow, pending an announcement.” Well, Parko won the world title, so guess that means the deal has to go through.
Sneaker heads with a penchant for the Supra brand now have an epic dream catalog in the 260-page Supra: The Book.
A large portion of the book is dedicated to the limited edition collaborations SUPRA has done with friends and celebrities and features stories and photos with Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Slash, Steve Aoki, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Just Blaze, Deion Sanders, Samantha Ronson, and many more. Also included are rare sneakers that were produced in conjunction with an array of eclectic sources such as the television show Lost,Stubb’s Bar-B-Q . . . and even Dirty Harry. Also are collars, quotes, and thoughts from sneaker industry authorities such as SNS, All Gone, and Sneaker Freaker.
The book is available on the Supra website for $50 and just might be the perfect way to spend some of that extra Christmas cash you might have laying around this month. Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
Thanks to what is being called “significantly lower income-tax benefits and weaker markets” Quiksilver’s fourth-quarters earnings were down 94 percent, according to a story on Marketwatch.
In the latest quarter, Quiksilver recorded a benefit for income taxes of $7.4 million, significantly lower than the $64.3 million provision recorded a year earlier. . . For the quarter ended Oct. 31, Quiksilver posted a profit of $4.4 million, or two cents a share, down from $67.9 million, or 38 cents a share. Excluding special items such as impairment charges and restructuring expenses, profit was seven cents a share in the latest quarter. Revenue grew 2.5% to $559 million.
In spite of all this CEO Bob McKnight is “pleased, despite economic headwinds in certain markets, especially Europe and Australia, that revenues for fiscal 2012 increased across all three regions, all three major brands and all three distribution channels, in constant currency.” So there’s that.
Nixon’s snow team is happy to welcome Nicolas Müller to its ranks.
“Nico is, without doubt, one of the most respected riders in the world,” stated Chad DiNenna, Nixon co-founder and E.V.P. of Marketing. “Not only by pro snowboarders, but across the wider boardsport industry and community. That feeling of respect is also shared by every one of our team riders, and that’s why it was easy to have him join us. We’re all pumped to welcome him onboard.”
For the official word, including what JP Walker thinks of Nico joining the team, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
