The official cause of death for Stacy Peralta’s 22-year-old son Austin on November 21, 2012 has not been stated publicly, and the LA County Corner’s office won’t release their report until later this month, but that hasn’t stopped the LA Weekly from covering the jazz piano prodigy’s last night behind the keyboard and the rest of his life with a profile that is well worth reading.
The last song Peralta played that night, Nov. 20, 2012, was Charles Mingus‘ “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” He tore into the tribute to jazz great Lester Young, for which Joni Mitchell later wrote lyrics. (“You know someone great has gone/The sweetest swinging music man…”) Natasha Agrama, who was singing, later said Peralta’s playing on that piece left her fundamentally altered.
Our thoughts remain with the Peralta family. We wish them continued strength and peace in the New Year.
Even if VF Corp. and Altamont’s letter of intent is not a “binding offer” they still seem pretty serious about their bid for Billabong. Altamont Capital Partners has already named Skullcandy board member and former Nike and Oakley exec D. Scott Olivet as the guy who would run the non-Billabong brands including Element,RVCA, and Tigerlilly should the deal go through, according to a story in The Australian.
Mr Olivet is a clothing industry veteran and former vice president at Nike. He is currently a director of headphones company Skullcandy, and was chief executive of Oakley between 2005 and 2009 before moving into the chairman’s role through November 2011.
The former Oakley CEO ready to swoop down not he non-Billabong brands? That’s got to have some people at Billabong’s other brands starting to look a little more seriously over their shoulder for a soft place to land.
“Over the last 20 years we have built a unique and valuable collection of resorts, action sports camps and a niche television network. The creation of Powdr Enterprises will help us leverage the network we’ve built and strengthen all of our brands into the future,” said John Cumming, chief executive officer of Powdr. “As a well-respected, visionary leader and entrepreneur, Wade is the perfect person to lead Powdr Enterprises. He has an unparalleled track record of successfully creating and leveraging events, media and sponsorships to turn companies into powerhouse brands.”
Don’t want to have to spell this out, but this is huge, huge news. As the balance of power in action sports has moved away from the media to event and content owners, this new division could seriously disrupt a few old, tired business models. Will be interesting to see where Martin takes this. For the official word, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
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…]
