United Sports Brands: BDA Advises Shimano on Sale of PEARL iZUMi to United Sports Brands

New York, NY May 06, 2022 --(PR.com)-- BDA Partners is pleased to announce that its client, Shimano North America Holding, has sold PEARL iZUMi USA, an iconic manufacturer & retailer of cycling apparel & accessories, to United Sports Brands ("USB"), a global leader in sports performance & protective products. USB is a portfolio company of Bregal Partners, a private equity firm. PEARL iZUMi will join USB's portfolio of protective & performance sports equipment sold under the Shock Doctor, McDavid, Cutters, NATHAN, and Glukos brands. PEARL iZUMi was founded in Tokyo in 1950 and entered the US market during the 1980s cycling boom. In 1989, four investors in Boulder, CO, bought the rights to build a US-based PEARL iZUMi brand, leveraging technology & fabrics from the original company in Japan. Since then, the brand has grown to be the market leader in cycling apparel in the US, widely distributed across Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2008, PEARL iZUMi was acquired by Shimano, a leading Japanese multinational manufacturer of cycling components, fishing tackle and rowing equipment. The brand has since realized significant US & international growth, driven by its core road cycling apparel category, and by emerging categories such as mountain bike, casual apparel, and footwear. PEARL iZUMi has become a leader in corporate social responsibility, with 90% of products now made from sustainable materials and a goal to become carbon-neutral by 2025. As part of the USB platform, PEARL iZUMi will be extremely well-positioned to capitalize on these tailwinds and continue to build its attractive market position. "This is an exciting time for PEARL iZUMi," said Geoff Shaffer, President of PEARL iZUMi. "We have tremendous momentum and an amazing team that's dedicated to continuing to grow the brand to new heights. Shimano has provided significant support and guidance throughout its ownership, and while we will miss being part of Team Shimano, we also know there is great future potential for the brand and look forward to continuing to grow our business with USB." "Shimano has worked hard to support and build up the PEARL iZUMi brand for our retailers and the consumer alike," says Nolan Moser, Vice President, Bicycle Division from Shimano North America Bicycle, Inc. "We believe that United Sports Brands will be able to further this growth and we are committed to supporting our retail partners throughout the transition to ensure continued success at all levels." "We are very pleased to welcome PEARL iZUMi into the United Sports Brands family," said ...Full story available on Benzinga.com