Sandra Thompson, a retired British school teacher, was celebrating her 59th birthday with her family at Austria’s Kitzbuhel Resort when she fell and hit the back of her head in what is being reported as “an innocuous little fall” according to a story in the Daily Mail. Two days later she was dead.
The following day Mrs Thompson, who was wearing a helmet, fell and hit the back of her head on the snow, while coming down an easier ‘blue’ route. . . She was airlifted to hospital but never regained consciousness and died at Innsbruck University Hospital – just a week after her 59th birthday. . . Holding back tears, her husband Mr Thompson, a managing partner at a solicitors firm, said: ‘One minute everything is fine, you’re all enjoying yourselves, laughing and joking. . . ‘The next minute Sandra was unconscious and never came around.
Friday morning, February 17, 2012 features the Finals of the Quarterpipe with Halfpipe finals on Saturday (Norway time) and with Slopestyle finals on Sunday. Remember: they are 9 hours ahead of PST. Click here for all the details.
Podium Distribution’sTim Gavin joins Torey Pudwill on the Ride Channel’s The Weekend Buzz with Erica Yary and Rob Brink. Was it hot in there or was that just Erica?
Nixon co-foundersChad DiNenna andAndy Laats are smiling today as they find themselves back on the list of company owners after a deal announced today which valued the company at US$464 million.
Billabong has entered into definitive agreements with Trilantic Capital Partners (“TCP”) to establish a joint venture to accelerate the growth of the Nixon brand globally. . . Billabong and Trilantic will each hold approximately 48.5% of Nixon, a leading brand in the global youth accessory market, and management will purchase the remaining 3.0% stake. . . Billabong expects to realise net proceeds of approximately US$285 million1 as a result of this transaction, all of which will be used to repay debt.
In other words, Billabong sold half of Nixon to a private equity fund to raise cash. But, Laats and DiNenna will stay on as CEO and EVP of Marketing (and own three percent of the company) so everything is as it should be, it appears. One question: does this mean Nixon could have two different private equity firms as owners? That could get interesting.
For more official details on the deal follow the jump. [Photo: Todd Richards] [click to continue…]
Trading was halted today (Thursday, February 16, 2012) on shares of Billabong “pending an announcement on the strategic capital structure review,” according to a story on Bloomberg.
The company, which is due to report earnings for the six months ended Dec. 31 tomorrow, didn’t mention the Australian Financial Review report or say whether it received an approach. . . John Mossop, a spokesman for Billabong, said he couldn’t comment beyond the statement. A Sydney-based spokeswoman for TPG declined to comment.
Looks like there may finally be a trade show aisle-walking alternative the Nike Free as Supra rolls out the Owen their “first lightweight running shoe.”
[The Owen] features an ultra soft, blown EVA SUPRAFOAM® midsole. A synthetic mesh upper with microfiber reinforcements reduces weight and improves breathability. The rubber pads on the contact areas offer traction and even distribution of impact across the sole. Strong, durable, looped nylon webbing is used for the lace stays and heel pull tab, and in conjunction with rope laces, makes for quick and easy cinching.
A guy the FBI has called the snowboarder bandit is really taking bank robbing to the next level. On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, he reportedly robbed his seventh Orange County, California band, according to a story in the OC Register.
The bandit earned his name due to his “youthful appearance and the ski-type clothes” he wore during the robberies, authorities said. . . Police described him as a white man in his mid to late 20s, about 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall, and 180 to 200 pounds, with blond hair, blue eyes and unshaven.
There is now a $5,000 reward for help with his capture. If you ride with the guy and want the money, call one of these numbers: 714-765-1966 or 714-765-1900. Personally, it would seem like it might just be time for this bandit to slip off into the snowy wilds of Colorado for awhile. Things may be getting a little to hot in SoCal.
After watching this edit It’s rather difficult to argue with the entire premise of Billabong’s latest marketing message. Life in boardshorts looks pretty, pretty, good.
The offer, said to be worth at least $3 a share, was reportedly presented to Billabong chairman Ted Kunkel this week, and would offer a premium of about 70 per cent to the stock’s last close of $1.79. . . The offer was believed to have been made by US private equity giant TPG. Private equity firms have of late targeted Pacific Brands, Spotless and PaperlinX.
Sandra Thompson, a retired British school teacher, was celebrating her 59th birthday with her family at Austria’s Kitzbuhel Resort when she fell and hit the back of her head in what is being reported as “an innocuous little fall” according to a story in the Daily Mail. Two days later she was dead.
