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

[Justin 1933 134]

My thoughts and best wishes go out to those who will be negatively impacted by this deal. When Mission merged with Itech, alot of good people lost their jobs in California.

I think the combination of the companies will be a good thing. Bauer has always made great product and I believe sharing the technologies/R&D of the two companies can create some really great products in the future.

Best of Luck to all...

[Monty22 833]

why wouldn't Bauer just keep the Mission line separate?

they could certainly do that, just buy the company, and not change a damn thing...

That is EXACTLY what i keep saying.

The profit made from the Mission products would go to Bauer anyway, so why change anything?

Keep the AGX and NME skates and keep the Titanium sticks.

1. You're assuming there is a profit

2. It's a lot more overhead to keep both lines running

3. There's way too much overproduction and this may help dealers have less dead inventory left over at the end of every year

Every shop I've worked at has always had a ton of leftover Mission skates. Even the years they were good.

[AmoriZep 0]

granted, but most of the users here (from what i can gather) are worried their gear is going to change....i don't think that's going to be the case...

financial aspects are a different matter....

I understand people are worried about their products, but without these financial consideration those products wouldn't exist in the first place. There is more going on here than simply hoping they keep a specific line of skates or sticks. If the companies aren't healthy financially they won't exist and then you'll be left with even less product in the market.

the financial problems have been accumulating if there are any to begin with....why would Mission begin releasing a whole new line if they were in trouble and struggling that much?

the ultimate point i'm trying to make is that this could very well be a bigger brand looking to buy another....brands that are doing well or poor can be sold at any time....they don't have to be doing bad business to sell....if it's in the best interest of the company's owners to sell because Bauer is valuing Mission at a price higher than the owners ever thought, they will sell because they're going to cash in....

i think this thing needs to become official first, and then news has to surface on why Mission really sold, and why Bauer wanted to buy.....

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I've been talking to representatives from Bauer and MSH will be the first to have the press release. Should be coming shortly.

I am also compiling a Q&A session with them detailing the process.

I guess I can finally say on here that it is indeed complete.

[Rustpot 1]

Good work JR. I appreciate you keeping on top of things and taking the time to organize things like that to keep everyone here in the know about such a big event.

[Gummer12 134]

Will there be a Chat session like before?

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Most likely not. I mean, this has all happened at a pretty busy time for Bauer. They have their big sales meeting and first retail showing of 09 with First Line Dealers starting this weekend here in FL.

[shooter27 116]

granted, but most of the users here (from what i can gather) are worried their gear is going to change....i don't think that's going to be the case...

financial aspects are a different matter....

I understand people are worried about their products, but without these financial consideration those products wouldn't exist in the first place. There is more going on here than simply hoping they keep a specific line of skates or sticks. If the companies aren't healthy financially they won't exist and then you'll be left with even less product in the market.

the financial problems have been accumulating if there are any to begin with....why would Mission begin releasing a whole new line if they were in trouble and struggling that much?

the ultimate point i'm trying to make is that this could very well be a bigger brand looking to buy another....brands that are doing well or poor can be sold at any time....they don't have to be doing bad business to sell....if it's in the best interest of the company's owners to sell because Bauer is valuing Mission at a price higher than the owners ever thought, they will sell because they're going to cash in....

i think this thing needs to become official first, and then news has to surface on why Mission really sold, and why Bauer wanted to buy.....

I hear what you're saying, my main point was that people need to keep things in mind more than simply their own considerations for which products they prefer. There are many other factors that impact the situation that we don't know and will probably never know.

[AmoriZep 0]

granted, but most of the users here (from what i can gather) are worried their gear is going to change....i don't think that's going to be the case...

financial aspects are a different matter....

I understand people are worried about their products, but without these financial consideration those products wouldn't exist in the first place. There is more going on here than simply hoping they keep a specific line of skates or sticks. If the companies aren't healthy financially they won't exist and then you'll be left with even less product in the market.

the financial problems have been accumulating if there are any to begin with....why would Mission begin releasing a whole new line if they were in trouble and struggling that much?

the ultimate point i'm trying to make is that this could very well be a bigger brand looking to buy another....brands that are doing well or poor can be sold at any time....they don't have to be doing bad business to sell....if it's in the best interest of the company's owners to sell because Bauer is valuing Mission at a price higher than the owners ever thought, they will sell because they're going to cash in....

i think this thing needs to become official first, and then news has to surface on why Mission really sold, and why Bauer wanted to buy.....

I hear what you're saying, my main point was that people need to keep things in mind more than simply their own considerations for which products they prefer. There are many other factors that impact the situation that we don't know and will probably never know.

absolutely agree

[chippa13 1844]

granted, but most of the users here (from what i can gather) are worried their gear is going to change....i don't think that's going to be the case...

financial aspects are a different matter....

I understand people are worried about their products, but without these financial consideration those products wouldn't exist in the first place. There is more going on here than simply hoping they keep a specific line of skates or sticks. If the companies aren't healthy financially they won't exist and then you'll be left with even less product in the market.

the financial problems have been accumulating if there are any to begin with....why would Mission begin releasing a whole new line if they were in trouble and struggling that much?

the ultimate point i'm trying to make is that this could very well be a bigger brand looking to buy another....brands that are doing well or poor can be sold at any time....they don't have to be doing bad business to sell....if it's in the best interest of the company's owners to sell because Bauer is valuing Mission at a price higher than the owners ever thought, they will sell because they're going to cash in....

i think this thing needs to become official first, and then news has to surface on why Mission really sold, and why Bauer wanted to buy.....

That is exactly why a company would release a new line. If your company is struggling, you don't just roll over and die but you continue to try to develop better products that may perform better in the market place. Plus, the line being released now wasn't developed last week, but months ago, at the very least.

You also continue business as usual because not all deals get completed. Sometimes mergers and acquisitions fall through.

[AmoriZep 0]

granted, but most of the users here (from what i can gather) are worried their gear is going to change....i don't think that's going to be the case...

financial aspects are a different matter....

I understand people are worried about their products, but without these financial consideration those products wouldn't exist in the first place. There is more going on here than simply hoping they keep a specific line of skates or sticks. If the companies aren't healthy financially they won't exist and then you'll be left with even less product in the market.

the financial problems have been accumulating if there are any to begin with....why would Mission begin releasing a whole new line if they were in trouble and struggling that much?

the ultimate point i'm trying to make is that this could very well be a bigger brand looking to buy another....brands that are doing well or poor can be sold at any time....they don't have to be doing bad business to sell....if it's in the best interest of the company's owners to sell because Bauer is valuing Mission at a price higher than the owners ever thought, they will sell because they're going to cash in....

i think this thing needs to become official first, and then news has to surface on why Mission really sold, and why Bauer wanted to buy.....

That is exactly why a company would release a new line. If your company is struggling, you don't just roll over and die but you continue to try to develop better products that may perform better in the market place. Plus, the line being released now wasn't developed last week, but months ago, at the very least.

You also continue business as usual because not all deals get completed. Sometimes mergers and acquisitions fall through.

dude, it is NOT a guarantee that business is bad for Mission right now....

that's one of the main points i'm trying to get at.....see the rest of my post you quoted ;)

none of us know at this point what the whole truth is....it's all speculation.....people need to hit the relax button

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Okay, need to end this -

Mission/ITECH wasn't hurting like the other small companies out there whose futures will be determined in the next few wks. They were delivering product and were set on launching their 09 ice line.

Bottom line, every company has its price, and Bauer's parent company just got a whole lot stronger as of today. Right off the bat they have become #1 in facial, #1 in helmets, #1 in inline, #3 at pro goal and #2 at retail goal, regardless of how it is branded/marketed.

There is more to the story and it will all be revealed in a bit. No reason for speculation otherwise, but the majority of the stuff that is being thrown out there right now isn't necessarily correct - therefore no need to go back and forth on it.

[Jarick 5]

Put me in the camp that would love to see the AGX technology incorporated into a Bauer skate. If they can produce the models out of their factories with their resources, it might be possible to lower the unit costs and turn a profit, even with lower than Bauer sales.

I'm not as sure about the Fuel sticks as they never really seemed to catch on. They could get the "spear" technology, but I'm not sure if Bauer really needs it. I'd assume their stick sales are just fine.

[AmoriZep 0]

Okay, need to end this -

Mission/ITECH wasn't hurting like the other small companies out there whose futures will be determined in the next few wks. They were delivering product and were set on launching their 09 ice line.

Bottom line, every company has its price, and Bauer's parent company just got a whole lot stronger as of today. Right off the bat they have become #1 in facial, #1 in helmets, #1 in inline, #3 at pro goal and #2 at retail goal, regardless of how it is branded/marketed.

There is more to the story and it will all be revealed in a bit. No reason for speculation otherwise, but the majority of the stuff that is being thrown out there right now isn't necessarily correct - therefore no need to go back and forth on it.

BAM!

[chippa13 1844]

Put me in the camp that would love to see the AGX technology incorporated into a Bauer skate. If they can produce the models out of their factories with their resources, it might be possible to lower the unit costs and turn a profit, even with lower than Bauer sales.

I'm not as sure about the Fuel sticks as they never really seemed to catch on. They could get the "spear" technology, but I'm not sure if Bauer really needs it. I'd assume their stick sales are just fine.

Probably depends on how the latest Titanium stick does.

[Chadd 916]

They could get the "spear" technology, but I'm not sure if Bauer really needs it.

Maybe they could make the Vapor XXXX that way. ;)

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bauer Hockey buys Mission-ITECH

TORONTO – September 24, 2008 – Bauer Hockey today announced it has purchased Mission-ITECH Hockey, a leader in goal equipment, protective apparel and facial protection.

The purchase strengthens Bauer’s overall position in the marketplace and is part of the overall growth and investment strategy of Bauer’s management team and new ownership group, consisting of Kohlberg & Company and Montreal businessman W. Graeme Roustan.

“The combination of innovation and expertise that is at the core of both of these leading organizations provides us with a unique opportunity in the highly competitive hockey industry,” said Kevin Davis, CEO & President, Bauer Hockey. “Mission-ITECH has made its mark on the industry with cutting-edge product innovations, and the addition of Mission-ITECH’s complementary categories such as goal equipment, protective apparel and facial protection to Bauer’s core strengths will allow us to further advance the performance of hockey players all over the world.”

“Consolidation is essential for the long-term success of the overall hockey industry,” said Mike Whan, CEO, Mission-ITECH. “Mission-ITECH and Bauer Hockey are both dedicated to improving the game and creating a better experience for all players. That combined commitment will only help increase the overall health of the industry and the sport itself.”

Bauer Hockey Corp., the Canadian entity of Bauer Hockey, based in Mississauga, Ontario and St. Jerome, Quebec. will acquire Mission-ITECH’s Canadian operations. Mission-ITECH’s facility in Kirkland, Quebec and its distribution facility in Plattsburgh, N.Y. will remain open until May 31, 2009. Approximately 140 non-union employees will be impacted by the multi-phased closure of both facilities.

To minimize the impact of the acquisition, Bauer Hockey will provide affected Mission-ITECH employees financial assistance, applicable benefit packages and outplacement counseling.

Bauer Hockey continues to employ nearly 300 Canadian employees at its Research, Design & Development center in St. Jerome, Quebec and its Canadian headquarters and distribution center located in Mississauga, Ontario. More than half of all Bauer Hockey’s global employees are based in Canada.

About Bauer Hockey

Bauer Hockey is the world’s most recognized designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment and currently operates under the Nike Bauer Hockey name. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful Supreme and Vapor lines of products.

[ringer 0]

CRAZY!

glad to hear though that they will be supplying "affected Mission-ITECH employees financial assistance, applicable benefit packages and outplacement counseling. "

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I will ask the question, but sales reps are independent and may not fall under that category.

[Rustyhole 1]

I will ask the question, but sales reps are independent and may not fall under that category.

That would totally suck. while i am coming to like the idea merger, the negative impact it will have on those employees of both bauer & m-i tempers my enthusiasum

bauer & m-i companies are built on the strength of their employess and have proven themselves to be strong, innovative & resilient in a demanding market

success may not continue to come from hockey, but they will suceed none the less. my best wishes to those affected

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Bauer's allowing me to do a Q&A session right now - I fired off some questions. Once we get the answers, we'll start with another set including questions from you guys.

[hockey1933 0]

Good luck to the Mission boys, there are still a lot of good ones left... I hope it works out for you guys!

[Gummer12 134]

Will they be combining R&D, or be keeping some sort of separation with the Eq Lines...(Player, Goal, Inline)

[Viking 1]

Edit- nevermind - wtf? Probably needed to refresh the thread since last night before posting.

[Gummer12 134]

That's Already been established