***OFFICIAL*** Bauer purchasing Mission-Itech

[aliebe 0]

This is business. This was not a hostile takeover. Don't put all the blame on Bauer, there's two sides to every transaction. Operating multiple brands is not economical. Look at GM.

[halfmoonyote 0]

We all develop certain 'emotional' attachments to brands for various reasons and ideologies.

If you don't support Bauer and their philosophies, show it with your dollar. Just don't support or buy their product. It's a dog eat dog world and YOU as the consumer don't have to buy anything you don't want to. Don't feed the machine, simple as that.

Personally, I wouldn't give Bauer a dime of my money. Then, now, forever.

As someone who very much appreciated Mission products, life still goes on, and the world keeps turning. Sure I'm bummed that Mission skates are going away - it's all I use. But what can I do about? Simple - Just buy up what's on closeout and continue to refuse Bauer.

Seek out alternatives and what works best for you. There will still be many wonderful products to choose from that are NOT Bauer.

[end2end 0]

Bauer is going through a transition as well, in losing the Nike name. IMO they are doing what they think it will take to get the Bauer name back into the market with a bang. Like it was pointed out earlier Bauer lost Nike's Dri-Fit technology but now they have acquired technologies from two other companies, so maybe they're just making up for lost ground.

[RadioGaGa 162]

This is business. This was not a hostile takeover. Don't put all the blame on Bauer, there's two sides to every transaction. Operating multiple brands is not economical. Look at GM.

That, and I'm sure Bauer is smart enough not to go "Hey, that innovation or idea is a great one, but it wasn't ours so we're gonna kill it". I'm sure Bauer will evaluate what they've got now with MIH and if it is something they see a place for...they will adapt it or use it in a future line.

[end2end 0]

This is business. This was not a hostile takeover. Don't put all the blame on Bauer, there's two sides to every transaction. Operating multiple brands is not economical. Look at GM.

That, and I'm sure Bauer is smart enough not to go "Hey, that innovation or idea is a great one, but it wasn't ours so we're gonna kill it". I'm sure Bauer will evaluate what they've got now with MIH and if it is something they see a place for...they will adapt it or use it in a future line.

Agreed

[aliebe 0]

This is business. This was not a hostile takeover. Don't put all the blame on Bauer, there's two sides to every transaction. Operating multiple brands is not economical. Look at GM.

That, and I'm sure Bauer is smart enough not to go "Hey, that innovation or idea is a great one, but it wasn't ours so we're gonna kill it". I'm sure Bauer will evaluate what they've got now with MIH and if it is something they see a place for...they will adapt it or use it in a future line.

Exactly. And for those crying over the loss of mission, just wait. See how the whole integration goes. Find holes in the product line, then start your own company to fill the markets need. This is capitalism at its best.

[trevor13478 1]

biggest bummer for me is the loss of missions sticks. the skates were alright but they haven't done anything noteworthy since the s series. same with gloves, nothing great since the m and L series'. I agree with a comment Chadd made earlier, mission used to be an innovator, but now they just seem to be following the trends, with the exception of their sticks (hopefully bauer will make use of the titanium technology, the 60 day warranty is great). I'm just hoping that Bauer is using this aquisition to make use of new technology and infuse ideas, rather than just taking out another competitor

[ringer 0]

If you're acting this way now, wait til you hear about what's happening with the brand in your avatar.

Eagle is gonna go bankrupt now or something?

eagle got bought by vaughn

[AnthonyJTa 0]

From my experience, Mission is almost nonexistent on ice in New England. In the last 10 years, pretty much the only Mission sticks I've seen have been in my hands or the hands of the guys I have sold my used sticks to. I can count on one hand the number of Mission skates I've seen, as well. The protective I never see. The only Mission branded product that seems to do well around these parts is the helmet.

As much as I've grown to love their products personally, you're dead on as far as New England is concerned. I'm the only guy I know in my area who uses Mission sticks, skates, gloves or protective. I've even had a guy in a beginner league as my why I was using "a roller hockey stick"... silly question, but I always assumed it was a ridiculous 'stigma' the brand would always live with. "More for me", I always thought...

Even the shop I used to frequent here in Weymouth... he was big on Mission product, and sadly enough... none of it moved. His money came with sharpenings, and skate repair... the shop eventually closed when he got a nice gig for an Ivy League school. So I guess I'll take some of the ModSquad veteran advise, and start stocking up on what I need, and hope for the best! haha..

[Cheesehead 0]

Hey JR, just want to say thanks for the information and asking great questions.

One question i have is will they have 2 (or more) lines of cages or just phase out 1 (re-brand Itech's and get rid of the Bauer ones)?

Thanks

[cabreezy 0]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

[Chadd 916]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

That's the biggest issue I have with it. Then again, Mission hasn't been innovating all that much lately.

[Bravada 442 0]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

But it is possible that this bigger conglomerate of companies may have a weakness in a couple of areas that will allow a new or smaller player in the industry the opportunity to innovate that they may not have now because they were afraid of too many of the big boys. Innovation is always cyclical.

[DarkStar50 679]

In an ideal world more companies challenging each other would be great. As little as 10 years ago, this was the make-up of the industry. The CSGA show was dynamic with wall-to-wall vendors. However, the industry fractured and the little guys could no longer compete. The playing field did change but it is not as if the marketplace became stagnant. Some of the greatest changes in protective equipment, sticks, and skates have occurred in the last 10 years as the vendor list HAS gotten smaller! The competition has become more dynamic among the leaders. Mission was extremely aggressive and forward thinking when the three men from Bauer started Mission-BiltRite in 1995. They pushed the envelope for roller hockey. Their thinking spurred some changes in ice hockey. For people to believe that the marketplace will become less aggressive and cut back on new ideas is a bit foolish. The companies at the top are looking everyday to make better products with new ideas that work. So many members here talk about their passion for equipment and how to improve what they have. This is the same motivation these designers bring to their work place everyday! They will never be satisfied with last year's products. They will always look to improve and innovate. The companies at the top got there for a reason. They did not buy their way to the top. They earned the position through their products, through their design teams, through their production, yes, through their marketing, and finally through their ability to get the product to us. The guys who are struggling to fight for #2 and #3 and so on are the ones having problems getting that great new helmet they rave about to market or that great new skate that has immediate issues. I have no doubt all these companies will continue to make hockey better for all of us. They already have and they always will.

[Chadd 916]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

But it is possible that this bigger conglomerate of companies may have a weakness in a couple of areas that will allow a new or smaller player in the industry the opportunity to innovate that they may not have now because they were afraid of too many of the big boys. Innovation is always cyclical.

The biggest innovation in the last few years came from Kor with composite skates and their ability to form completely to your foot. Easton, Bauer and CCM have all jumped on the bandwagon and created their own very good products, but Kor was really the first.

[warrior37 0]

i wonder how this deal with affect the CHL. all players have to wear the DX100 visor and in the Q all players are required to wear an itech neck guard. imo it would look kind of funky to see all those kids decked out in CCM/Reebok gear/jerseys and then a Bauer visor and or neck guard. i wonder if anyone at CCM/Reebok has any issues with that?

[Chadd 916]

i wonder how this deal with affect the CHL. all players have to wear the DX100 visor and in the Q all players are required to wear an itech neck guard. imo it would look kind of funky to see all those kids decked out in CCM/Reebok gear/jerseys and then a Bauer visor and or neck guard. i wonder if anyone at CCM/Reebok has any issues with that?

It wasn't an issue with an Itech logo, so there's no grounds for it to be a problem with a Bauer logo.

[JR Boucicaut 3797]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

I personally know the boys at RR&D at NBH and they are passionate about their work. By no means will they ever rest on their laurels.

[Chadd 916]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

I personally know the boys at RR&D at NBH and they are passionate about their work. By no means will they ever rest on their laurels.

Having different groups of people helps come up with new ideas.

[iluvhky 0]

will mission-itech take the bauer logo or keep it mission-itech?

[JR Boucicaut 3797]

Read a few pages back.

[shooter27 116]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

I personally know the boys at RR&D at NBH and they are passionate about their work. By no means will they ever rest on their laurels.

Having different groups of people helps come up with new ideas.

New ideas are always great, but if the company does not have the financial resources to execute against the ideas then at the end of the day we're no better off. I would think that this transaction would give the true innovators at Mission-Itech the financial resources to pursue ideas they may not have been able to execute without the financial backing of Bauer.

[Bender 0]

will mission-itech take the bauer logo or keep it mission-itech?

If you read the press release on page 9 it says, with reasonable clarity, that the roller stuff will remain with the Misison name on it, however the ice equimpent will be re-badged as Bauer. So far I don't think it is confirmed as to what will happen with the goalie equipment

[Chadd 916]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

I personally know the boys at RR&D at NBH and they are passionate about their work. By no means will they ever rest on their laurels.

Having different groups of people helps come up with new ideas.

New ideas are always great, but if the company does not have the financial resources to execute against the ideas then at the end of the day we're no better off. I would think that this transaction would give the true innovators at Mission-Itech the financial resources to pursue ideas they may not have been able to execute without the financial backing of Bauer.

It's not like they're keeping all of the design teams, so you're losing some different perspectives. It's going to result in more tiny companies that can't fully realize their designs.

[shooter27 116]

I'd agree that a negative impact is that there is now less competition in the market, so maybe innovation may lack. I'd rather have more companies challenging each other with new ideas and new technologies in hockey equipment than say 2 big ones.

I personally know the boys at RR&D at NBH and they are passionate about their work. By no means will they ever rest on their laurels.

Having different groups of people helps come up with new ideas.

New ideas are always great, but if the company does not have the financial resources to execute against the ideas then at the end of the day we're no better off. I would think that this transaction would give the true innovators at Mission-Itech the financial resources to pursue ideas they may not have been able to execute without the financial backing of Bauer.

It's not like they're keeping all of the design teams, so you're losing some different perspectives. It's going to result in more tiny companies that can't fully realize their designs.

I'm sure they're cutting some of the design teams, but I would think they would keep the best of the best meaning you've got more talented heads working on the same team. I hear what you're saying about decreased competition, but I think having more talent on the team provides some level of offset to that.