Wall Street

Australia’s Business Spectator is raising the bar on Billabong takeover speculation by suggesting that Rhone Group, the private equity firm that owns 20 percent of Quiksilver, may or could be looking to snatch up Billabong if the price is right.

While it’s not clear whether Quiksilver or Rhone, a New York-based private equity firm, is eyeing the situation, it’s fair to say it’s likely to be Rhone who has the final say on any move given Quiksilver’s history of debt issues and market value of $US513 million — below Billabong’s at about $650m.

Guess using the words “could” and “might be” allow the press to say pretty much anything they want. We can’t really imagine a scenario where Quiksilver’s problems could be solved by adding Billabong’s to their list. We’d like to think Quik learned their lesson with Rossignol.

[Link: Business Spectator]

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When Billabong reported their financial results for the year ended June 30, 2012 this week there weren’t many surprises. The company reported a $275.6 million loss, according to a story in the Business Spectator. But CEP Launa Inman is still confident.

Chief executive officer Launa Inman said that at an underlying trading level, the group remained profitable. . . “As previously flagged to the market, the group’s results have been adversely impacted by various significant and exceptional items,” Ms Inman said. . . “In recording the various significant and exceptional costs and charges, the Group has endeavoured to adopt a conservative position.” . . “The group is well on track in implementing the initiatives outlined in the previously announced strategic capital structure review and will continue to implement a number of new strategic initiatives announced today as part of Billabong’s transformation strategy.”

According to Inman’s new plan (click here to dowload) the company “will focus on simplifying the retailer’s business, leveraging its brands, expanding its online business and globalising its supply chain.” Billabong has closed 58 retails stores since February 2012 and 82 more shops are set to close this year. Ouch.

Follow the jump for the official word from Billabong. [click to continue…]

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In the quarter ended July 28, 2012 Pacific Sunwear saw an increase in net sales of $10 million over the same period in 2011, however, their loss from continuing operations was $17.5 million. But they have an excuse:

The loss from continuing operations for the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2012 included a non-cash loss of $8.2 million, or $0.12 per share, related to a derivative liability that resulted from the issuance of the Convertible Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred”) in connection with the term loan financing the Company completed in December 2011.

In other words, if it wasn’t for that thing they had to do to try to save themselves from bankruptcy they wouldn’t have lost as much money. CEO Gary H. Schoenfeld sees this as a good sign.

“Our 5% comparable store sales, 260 basis point increase in merchandise margins, and positive operating cash flow for the second quarter further demonstrate our belief that customers are beginning to rediscover PacSun, including our improved merchandising and brand mix, and our distinct Golden State of Mind brand identity,” said Schoenfeld. “Newer brands helped drive a 7% comp in our Men’s business, which represents our biggest increase in Men’s since 2004. Women’s continued to improve as well with a 2% comp and higher margins, and we also achieved a 15% increase in online sales.”

Nice to see a silver lining beginning to appear around the dark cloud that has been hanging over Pac Sun for years. If they stay at it they might even begin breaking even in five or 10 quarters. Follow the jump for the official info. [click to continue…]

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DC Shoes co-founder and Gymkhana video star Ken Block has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Mad Media (the company that directed the first three Gymkhana videos) over their use of the word Gymkhana, according to a post on Jalopnik.

The lawsuit stems from the creation of Gymkhana.com, which focuses on rally, drift, and general car news. It features advertisements and includes links to Ken Block-related content, although it also carries the legal disclaimer “DISCLAIMER: This gymkhana.com website does not originate from, is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and is not sponsored or approved by Ken Block or DC Shoes.” at the bottom of the page.

In the lawsuit, which was filed on Friday, August 17, 2012, Block’s lawyers claim that “By registering and using the domain name GYMKHANA.COM, Mad Media breached its contractual obligations to Plaintiffs to refrain from using the knowledge it gained from its contractual relationship with Plaintiffs to misappropriate, interfere with, or profit from opportunities and property in the GYMKHANA brand.” See, success ruins almost everything. Click the link for the rest of the story.

[Link: Jalopnik.com]

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The action fashion and skate worlds convene in Long Beach, California beginning tomorrow (August 1, 2012) as Agenda and The Berrics Agenda show kicks off in the Long Beach Convention Center. Stay tuned here for full coverage (follow us on Instagram or Twitter @boardistan) or click the link for more info from Agenda.

[Link: Agenda Show]

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