In a move many thought should have happened a while ago, Vans and Reef parent company VF Corp (along with San Francisco, California based private equity firm Altamont Capital Partners) has offered $555.5 million for Billlabong, according to a story in the Washington Post. That is the same amount offered by former Billabong USA President Paul Naude and his investor partners. According to a statement from VF they aren’t interested in the entire company.
VF’s primary interest in the transaction is in the Billabong® brand. This interest is consistent with VF’s stated intent to pursue acquisitions, particularly in the Action Sports category, to continue to build shareholder value. Altamont’s interest lies in acquiring Billabong’s other brands and related assets, and is predicated on the firm’s mandate to invest in situations where it can provide strategic and operational support to build business success stories.
It would be sad to see that Billabong brand portfolio broken up, but at this point it really about what’s best for the shareholders. We’d put odds on VF corp getting the deal getting done, if Billabong is sold. Guess we’ll know in six weeks. For the official word from VF, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
From the looks of this Neffland Episode 1 it would appear that Park City finally got some snow. Hope it stays around for awhile because this setup looks fun. At least Blaze Kostenburg, Sage Kostenburg, Brandon Hobush, Stevie Bell, Zack Hale and Dylan Thompson make it look that way.
This collaboration between Supra and Berlin sneaker emporium Solebox just might be the coolest Supra Skytop III yet. Why? It they glow in the dark. Yep. Those dull green glow that has fascinated us all since we were four years old.
The SOLEBOX Skytop III upper is outfitted with a plush grey suede upper and green accents. The highlight of the stylish mid top, however, is the translucent grey, glow-in-the-dark TPR cage, heel pull, and outsole, all of which glow a bright green at night. The shoe has a green microfiber tongue and padded lining, SOLEBOX branded sock liner and aglets. It rests on a comfortable, lightweight, white SUPRAFOAM midsole, and it comes with a custom screen printed lace bag with alternate green laces.
For the official word and more photos (including a glow photo), follow the jump. [click to continue…]
The crew at Billabong Snow isn’t letting a little take-over talk slow down one bit. They’re marching right along it seems. They just signed X Games Real Snow candidateBode Merrill.
“I am convinced that Bode is the most talented snowboarder out there today,” said Billabong Snow Team Manager Andrew Marriner. “Who else can go out on a urban mission in Minnesota and absolutely blow minds then quickly turn around, hop out of a heli seat and shock the Absinthe Film crew in Haines, Alaska?”
Merrill joins Wolle Nyvelt, Tadashi Fuse, Jamie Anderson, Eero Niemela, and Romain De Marchi at Billabong. For the official word follow the jump. [click to continue…]
The recently engaged Nick Visconti is back for another season of the Dangerzone, however, this season it appears to be named DZ:MA for Dangerzone for Mature Audiences only. The first episode features the ABC’s of park tricks and is great for kids just starting out. Two warnings: there’s still no such thing as a frontside Indy and be careful where you Zeach.
Terry Snow, the founder of World Publications who folded his company into the Bonnier Corp and then purchased 18 magazines titles from Time Inc. (including TransWorld Media) has announced that he will officially retire on January 14, 2013, according to a story in Folio. Taking over for Snow will be his long-time number two and current SVP of Bonnier Active Interest Dave Freygang.
“I’ve worked closely with Dave for many years, and I am very happy to see him take over the leadership role,” says Snow in a statement. “For me, it’s been an amazing journey working with so many talented people at Bonnier who day-in and day-out create fabulous brands. I know Bonnier Corp. has a great future ahead and I look forward to contributing in new ways.”
Snow will reportedly continue as a shareholder and member of the board of directors. Seems like Snow timing continues to be almost perfect.
Billabonghas chosen to go with a CFO who has worked neither in fashion nor in retail, but in the media space for the past two decades. Peter Myers was CFO of APN News & Media and Network 10, but now he’s going to up to his waist in trunks.
“Peter has over 30 years of experience and insight at both a corporate and an operational level,” said Billabong CEO Launa Inman. “He understands the company’s current position, has a deep understanding of working with a wider team in implementing transformational strategies and will make a valuable contribution.”
He also has “extensive experience” with takeovers and acquisitions, so that’s good. Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
Jamie Anderson and Chas Guldemond took their rightful places at the top of the podium by huge margins. Chas was 12 points ahead of second place, Finland’s Roope Tonteri. And Anderson took her event by nine points over Norway’s Kjersti Buaas.
Guldemond even took one for the team. “My first run was for the U.S. Snowboarding team and my second run was for me,” Guldemond said. “As always I try to have a good time snowboarding no matter what. It feels so good to be on top and start the Olympic qualifying period. It’s my goal to continue this success to the best of my abilities. . . I have really been working hard to perfect my run and it is going well so far, I am happy with how my dub 12 is coming together.”
Anderson, who wins pretty much everything she enters still finds a way to sound surprised, which is nice. “This has all been unreal, I feel so lucky,” Anderson said. “Thirteen is my lucky number, I was born on the 13th and there are 13 letters in my name so I would like to think this good vibe will keep going through.
Are you a gambler, Kenny? Well, Frequency: The Snowboarder’s Journal is giving away a trip loaded with bottomless powder at Baldface Lodge in Nelson, BC March 29 – 31, 2013 to one lucky subscriber. To be eligible all you have to do is subscribe.
With the promise of another epic year the lodge is filling up fast, but there are still a few slots remaining. One lucky subscriber will win a spot in our cat and all you have to do is hold a current subscription on the date of the draw: January 30, 2013. Or to guarantee a seat at Freq Week 2013 contact the lodge directly at www.baldface.net and drop into an undoubtedly unforgettable experience.
If you’re more of a realist contact Baldface directly and reserve one of the remaining spots. Or two, if you’re feeling generous. It will be a trip you’ll never forget. Follow the jump for all the details. [click to continue…]
Nickolas Voyer-Taylor, the 22-year-old snowboarder who was found unconscious and “partially submerged” in a creek at the Big White Resort in Kelowna, British Columbia on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, has died, according to a story in The Province.
The RCMP say two skiers spotted the unconscious man partially submerged in the creek and buried in snow on Tuesday. . . Const. Kris Clark says it looked like the Voyer-Taylor had been in the water for some time, and it’s not known how he got there. . . He was recovered by ski patrol and paramedics began CPR before he was taken to Kelowna General Hospital, but he couldn’t be revived.
Voyer-Taylor was a seasonal employee who worked at the resort. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
In a move many thought should have happened a while ago, Vans and Reef parent company VF Corp (along with San Francisco, California based private equity firm Altamont Capital Partners) has offered $555.5 million for Billlabong, according to a story in the Washington Post. That is the same amount offered by former Billabong USA President Paul Naude and his investor partners. According to a statement from VF they aren’t interested in the entire company.
