Nike looking to sell Bauer

[srv2miker 0]

"The Company also announced today its intent to explore the sale of Nike Bauer Hockey. Following a strategic review of the company's affiliate brands portfolio, Nike determined that despite the strength of the business, Nike Bauer Hockey does not align with the Company's long-term growth priorities and exploring a sale is the best strategic alternative. The Company expects the exploration process and any potential sale that maximizes Nike Bauer Hockey's value to Nike will be completed within the current fiscal year."

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articl...420092007-1.htm

A little more context:

'Commenting on the anticipated sale, Parker said: "We are focused on investing our resources where we will achieve the greatest returns, both within the Nike brand and within a strong portfolio of complementary affiliate brands. We're confident it's the right choice for our Company as we maximize our opportunities and drive toward our long-term growth targets. Given Nike Bauer's market leading position, we believe we will be able to effectively execute this transaction."'

[Law Goalie 147]

One brand to rule them all...

RBK/CCM/NBH/OMG/WTF...

[Gummer12 134]

Wow. Will they still hold any ownership rights? or just get rid of it and get out of hockey altogether?

So basically they're saying, "Hockey is too damn expensive of a sport, and can't find enough sweat shops."

[Nick411 0]

perfect opp for someone like warrior to step up huge if they got deep enough pockets

[Gummer12 134]

Ugghh.. if Nike didn't screw Bauer up enough, don't wanna even Think about what Warrior/MIA will do.

But I Do agree.. a Great opportunity has arisen.

[budro727 0]

I also think warrior should step up and buy NBH

[LkptTiger 1]

Please...no...God.

[Gummer12 134]

I also think warrior should step up and buy NBH

And repaint Bauer's entire stick inventory

I think BAUER should buy back Bauer. If that can be done?

[JGraz15 53]

F it...I am done playing! I am not wearing a Warrior Kronik helmet!

[McDougalfaschnitzer 32]

What are the chances of Bauer just returning to Bauer only?

[Lufria 1]

i second that warrior/mia better leave bauer alone. They'd screw bauer up so much...

[Fredrik 0]

Adidas?

[McDougalfaschnitzer 32]

Adidas owns RBK right?

[Rustpot 1]

Adidas owns Reebok.

There might be a company not currently in the Hockey Business that wants in. If someone like UnderArmour liked the profitability they may buy it, keep the Bauer name and let the company run as an affiliate.

I can almost see the day when my buddy who pisses and moans about the swoosh on the front of the Bauer logo (every time he buys something from them) keeps his current NBH stuff as "collector's items"

[JGraz15 53]

Adidas owns RBK right?

Correct

[halfmoonyote 0]

This is more than a little interesting, and I would say surprising?

I always thought, perhaps naively, that the markup in the production of hockey equipment would be moderate to high. Whatever the case, the margins clearly weren't high enough for Nike to want to stay. Keep in mind, that's not saying much with their proven and unapologetic use of sweat shop labor.

I'd definitely love to hear some perspective from some of the industry guys on the board here.

[pantherfan 0]

Honest opinions here guys, was Nike benificial to hockey?

[phantomowner27 20]

Honest opinions here guys, was Nike benificial to hockey?

Probably not. The exposure they brought with the Fedorov sponsorships and tv commercials one could argue as being positive. They also brought a credible name to the sport that may have brought in new spectators or players.... overall I'd say hell no. bring back Cooper and Bauer, the names the names wear lol

[mack 44]

Without them, better or worse, I don't think Inno becomes big enough on their own.

[Law Goalie 147]

Nike was worth it if only for the Flexlite skate.

[msander 0]

In the latter years of Nike owning Bauer, some fantastic products have been released, particularly under the Bauer brand but also recently under the NBH label. How much of that is due to Nike's involvement isn't something I can say, but I do think that Nike probably played a role in some of the innovative design and material changes that took place.

Of course, the early years of Nike in hockey are a bit of a different story.

[Chadd 916]

I think BAUER should buy back Bauer. If that can be done?

Someone can buy the company and go back to the Bauer name. That would be similar to what happened when H&B sold off their hockey division. Changing the name from Louisville to TPS Hockey a few years before the spinoff made it easier to make that transition.

I think the more important question is how much is everyone here willing to chip in?

[mack 44]

Tomorrow's payday.

[bobovski 1]

I just got a rebate card from my cellphone company. Do you think that will be enough?

[LkptTiger 1]

...I get paid every-other week. This is not an "other" week.

I'll empty my account.