In April 2011 Western Australia’s West Surfing Product announced they were looking for buyer and now, it appears they have found one in the Silverthorne family, owners of the Perth swimwear label Kooey Australia. Some American’s (not likely readers of Boardistan) may know the company as the official swimwear provider for the Miss Teen USA pageant.
“This acquisition represents a significant step for both Kooey and West in our strategy designed to accelerate growth in both businesses,” said Nikki Silverthorne, Director and Designer of Kooey. “We are now focused on seizing the opportunities in both local and international markets that this transaction has created for us. We are looking forward to delivering on the promise of this acquisition to build both brands exponentially and with speed.”
Kind of cool that the brand will remain a Western Australian company. Follow the jump for all the details.Perth, WA (4 September, 2011) – The Silverthorne family — who own leading Perth swimwear label Kooey Australia — announced today that it has completed its acquisition of WA-based authentic hardcore surfing brand, West Surfing Products (West).
West & Kooey have their roots firmly planted in Western Australia which is globally recognised for it’s pristine water and beaches as the land of surf, adventure and freedom.
“This acquisition represents a significant step for both Kooey and West in our strategy designed to accelerate growth in both businesses,” said Nikki Silverthorne, Director and Designer of Kooey. “We are now focused on seizing the opportunities in both local and international markets that this transaction has created for us. We are looking forward to delivering on the promise of this acquisition to build both brands exponentially and with speed.”
Silverthorne said the West staff would merge with Kooey’s team, effective immediately.
“We also excitedly welcome the West team aboard – who know the surf industry, marketplace and products inside out. Working with an authentic industry leader like West, who have a loyal connection to their customer and roots is as a great opportunity for us and our audience to share our common values. Both Kooey and West are now stronger and wider-based companies than ever before” added Silverthorne.
West has been an industry leader in surfing circles for their revolutionary wetsuit technology and design since 1982. In addition to their wetsuits, West also produce sun protection products, swimwear and men’s and women’s apparel each season. As part of the acquisition, Silverthorne and her team plan to grow and develop the swimwear and apparel ranges with the West team, staying true to their mission of providing exceptional fitting and hard-wearing in and out of water products.
Silverthorne said: “With Kooey’s help, West will utilise a larger communications and marketing campaign to embrace the Global opportunities available”. West is currently distributed in 20 countries throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas and has a subsidiary in Southern California ready to start delivering product to the booming USA surf industry.
“Two WA born companies have come together to grow and promote their visions. We see West and Kooey as a great match, not only in business but also to promote the spirit and talent in WA beyond its borders” said Patrick Leahy, West’s Director of Operations.
“We are thrilled to be working with Nikki Silverthorne and are looking forward to collaborating and growing the West brand further. We have seen what she has done for Kooey and are excited by the passion and skills that she brings to the table” added Leahy.
The driving force behind Kooey’s success since its official launch in 2008, Silverthorne has established Kooey as an internationally recognised brand. Having shown at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami, Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney, New York Fashion Week events and Los Angeles Fashion Weekend, Silverthorne has also forged a strong partnership for the brand with the Miss Universe Organization in both Australia and the US.
About Kooey Australia
Designed and made in Western Australia, Kooey is an entirely Australian owned and operated swimwear label. Fully ‘home grown’, the label is also inspired by Australia. Each season Kooey’s design team, Nikki Silverthorne and Charlene Harmer focus on a specific area of Australian landscape, flora or fauna. Featuring bold styles and striking colors, each collection includes one pieces, bikinis and separates as well as resort wear. Their signature prints are designed by Kooey print artist, Anne Hanning.
Stemming from an idea of unique design and artistic origin, Kooey has become an internationally recognized brand participating at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami, Los Angeles Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week events. Kooey has been a major sponsor for Miss Universe Australia since 2009 and is the Official Swimwear Sponsor for the 2011 MISS TEEN USA® Pageant.
www.kooey.com
About West Surfing Products
In 1982 two surfers, Patrick Leahy and Roger Liley created a unique grass roots surfing company, West. Inspired by their passion for surfing they developed the brand with a commitment to producing the best possible products and to enhance the surfing experience and lifestyle. Always developing the functionality, durability, technology and design of their products through innovation and testing, West continually develop their products to stay at the cutting edge of design and the frontier of surf product development.
Their motto, WE SURF ME SURF, embodies the passion and purpose that has driven West since the company’s inception. Staying true to their roots, West is committed to their ideals and focused on the values, aspirations, dreams and lifestyle of all those living the surfing life. In addition to this company commitment, the West brand has a very strong environmental ethic and encourage their crew to act locally and think globally.
www.westsurfing.com
