Vista Outdoor to Buy Bell, Giro and Blackburn

Feb 25, 2016 at 14:00
by Pinkbike Staff  
Vista Outdoor Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with BRG Sports, Inc. to acquire BRG Sports' Action Sports division, which is operated by Bell Sports Corp. and includes the market-leading brands Bell and Giro, and C-Preme and Blackburn. The acquisition adds a collection of branded sports equipment products serving enthusiasts of all ages in cycling, snow sports and powersports. Products marketed under the acquired brands include helmets for cycling, snow sports, and powersports, as well as goggles, footwear and a variety of cycling accessories.

"This acquisition is consistent with our strategic growth objective of becoming a world-leading outdoor sports and recreation products company," said Vista Outdoor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark DeYoung.

"This is our third acquisition since becoming an independent public company one year ago, and demonstrates our commitment to creating a solid leadership position in the individual outdoor recreation market with top-tier brands and market-leading capabilities. The Action Sports acquisition, combined with our strong CamelBak and Bollé brands, positions Vista Outdoor as a leading company in cycling and snow sports equipment in both North America and Europe.

"Adding these innovative and well-known consumer brands to our portfolio creates a channel leadership position, enabling us to sell a broad suite of Vista Outdoor products to specialty outdoor shops, wholesalers and leading outdoor product retailers."
Vista Outdoor and Action Sports Logos

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Vista Outdoor anticipates closing the transaction in the next 30 to 60 days.

Under the terms of the transaction, Vista Outdoor will pay a purchase price of $400 million, along with additional contingent consideration payable if incremental profitability growth milestones within the Powersports product line are achieved. The purchase price is subject to a customary working capital adjustment. Vista Outdoor expects calendar year 2016 net sales for the Action Sports division of approximately $350 million.

"Vista Outdoor is a perfect new home for the Action Sports division as they join an expanding outdoor sports and recreation company comprised of market-leading brands," said BRG Sports Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Lee. "Under Vista Outdoor ownership, we are confident Bell, Giro, C-Preme and Blackburn will continue to drive product innovation and lead the industry. We know they will continue to foster the strong people and product culture that makes these brands great."

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40 Comments
  • 53 8
 I really couldnt care less
  • 23 1
 Next up: Amer Sports to buy Vista Outdoor
  • 7 0
 Then Dorel Industries buys Fox head and tail.
  • 4 2
 then Jack Ma (Alibaba) buys all the sporting goods companies and starts punting them out on the internet...
  • 20 2
 The rich get richer
  • 20 11
 its called business
  • 24 5
 Its called people who know less about the product than they should take over a a successful business in hopes of it retaining its market share after they purchase it. Marketing usually gets better but the products rarely do. @ithomas how much do you know about business....? Im sure quite a bit at the ripe ol age of 17 I bet. Cheers laddy!
  • 5 9
flag GeorgeHardesty (Feb 26, 2016 at 1:15) (Below Threshold)
 DAMN DANIEL
  • 3 1
 Why will the products not change? Just because there is a new owner it does not mean the staffing will change.

They will have exactly the same development team and schedule as they did as BRG.
  • 12 2
 Quite a bit actually, for example, I can predict the future. Just like how I knew someone was going to buttf@ck me on that comment haha @norcal77
  • 5 1
 @norcal77 nope, the young one was right, it is called business. Why are you butthurt over a business acquisition? If the staff of Bell, Giro etc. stay the same, the products should develop in a similar fashion unless the new owners dictate a massive shift in focus.
  • 5 2
 I've always wondered why the rich shouldn't get richer? They're the ones taking risks, saving money and usually making the right choices in regards to finances. Not that they never make mistakes or are always ethical. That's not my point, Fact is, a lot poor folks are poor due to stupid decisions and no work ethic.

Just saying....
  • 2 1
 @Tearsforgears while there is a grain of truth to what you are saying, its not always that simplistic.
  • 2 0
 Ive never got a job from a poor man.
  • 1 0
 @tearsforgears as long as they don't totally defecate all over anyone below them, more power to em!
  • 2 0
 Big corporate companies are generally so much focussed on making money that they are not willing to risk money by trying new things. They'll rather stick to the old safe pattern that works well and puts cash into their own pockets. The higher management will be done by Vista, so I expect they will cut a lot on the budget for renewal and product development and will rather spend that extra money on pushing the sales instead.
  • 11 0
 I know CamelBak is the market leader...but am I the only one who never really liked their stuff??
  • 2 0
 Yes, I love my Camelbaks. What do you use as hydropack? Or you use a bottle?
  • 1 0
 I have a smaller Hydrapak for short rides and an Osprey for longer rides. I'm tall and thin and could never get CamelBaks to stay low and secure on me during aggressive riding.
  • 1 0
 The Kudu is pretty badass and stays nice and low. If you're looking for somethng that stays real low, I would recommend gettng on of their running backpacks.

That one is sick because it wraps around your waist and keeps your center of gravity low.

shop.camelbak.com/ultra-10/d/1358_c_130_cl_5901
  • 4 0
 I'm with you @DGThree, my camelback always leaked, both at the filling port and the bit valve. And after a while none of the zippers worked anymore. Now I use the REI flash pack- no zippers and no leaks.
  • 3 1
 Dakine.
  • 2 0
 Osprey!! Great packs, all sizes! I used to use Camelbak who made great packs; still like their bite valve and that the bladders are easy to clean. Then I used Dueter for a bit they make nice packs too. The Osprey is the best I've found, really easy to insert the bladder which is killer and the magnet actually works great. I like the tool roll too, its a very well thought out pack.
  • 2 1
 You are not alone, Camelback sucks!
  • 11 4
 Now there will be a Bell-Giro super helmet under one company...Biro It better have an adjustable visor...ENDURO!
  • 3 0
 Bell and Giro were already owned under the same parent company previous to this acquisition.
  • 1 1
 I guess I shouldn't be surprised, thanks for the info though!
  • 5 0
 Don't mess up Giro, please
  • 1 0
 I'm with you, i really like their shoes and helmets.
  • 1 0
 @allix
By almost every metric Bell and Giro are market leading. Who sells more in any category? Only in recent years has the mountain segment slipped from their strangle hold.
  • 2 2
 Sure, by volume they may be the leader but in terms of innovation? Old-school and boring.
  • 1 0
 Their helmets don't fit me very well anymore I need a size between the S&M, I switched to a troy lee, its ugly but it fits great.
  • 3 1
 You should into acquiring a more skilled graphic designer. The logo placement on that image is attrocious. You just made all the brands you caquired look like shit.
  • 3 0
 All these acquisitions scream "peak valuations".
  • 4 0
 more corporate shite
  • 2 0
 This only concerns me if they miraculously drop prices. I doubt that's in the cards, though
  • 1 0
 Huh... I just got a job at Vista outdoors/CCI.. I wonder if they will give us deals on Bell/Giro??
  • 1 0
 You might want to leave your trailer once in a while.
  • 1 0
 Gwinning was right
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