The Persistence Of RVCA Rumors

by The Editors on July 9, 2010

Rvca-LogoIn a classic example of just how rumors get laundered Apparel News retail editor Andrew Asch spins out a three page story titled Could RVCA Be Next in Billabong’s Buying Spree in which he adds absolutely no new information on the topic. Here’s the crux of his story:

Billabong . . . is widely rumored to be buying celebrated Costa Mesa, Calif.–based fashion brand RVCA. After several surf-industry publications and websites speculated on the rumor in the past couple of weeks, both Billabong and RVCA remain mum on the possible acquisition. (Neither company responded to requests for comment.)

That didn’t, however, stop Asch from rounding up few recycled conference call quotes from Billabong CEO Derek O’Neill, comments from Macquarie analyst Greg Dring, and a few lines from BRA’s Melissa Clary, and turning out a story so good that it almost makes us believe the Billabong buyout is a done deal.

But then what about Nike? We hear they’re the deep pockets with room for RVCA. After all, the Nike Open is right around the corner and you can’t exactly expect skaters to wear Hurley with their Cons.

[Link: Apparel News]

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Lincoln July 9, 2010 at 4:20 pm

this is hilarious. where about’s is VF in this conversation?
can only hope that if Billy do buy RVCA, they don’t lose any of their spark. being under that umbrealla, things would have to change a bit…

Oliy July 12, 2010 at 1:40 pm

I’ve got a friend inside Billabong who confirmed this is a done deal and will be announced to press in the next couple of days

Andrew Asch July 12, 2010 at 5:50 pm

Hi there – I’ve been a fan of Boardistan for awhile, so It was cool to get mentioned even if it was a tongue lashing. A note in my defense though, Apparel News’ July 9 article on Billabong focused on Billabong’s buying spree of West 49 Inc. and Becker Surf. It detailed the acquisitions of West 49 and asked questions on what would happen next, it did not focus totally on the then rumored RVCA acquisition.
I chose to prominently mention RVCA in the article on Billabong expansion because these reasons: RVCA is about as high-profile as you get, the Billabong/RVCA rumor would not die and its temperature was increasing to a boiling point. If it was true, it would have been a game changer.
And, as everyone knows by now, it is true. (http://www.apparelnews.net/news/manufacturing/071310-Billabong-Buys-RVCA)
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with both brands –and am always glad to hear what Boardistan is thinking

jill kelly April 4, 2011 at 10:01 am

recycled conference call quotes? shoddy reporting at best.

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