HYpE
New Member
- 註冊日期
- 2007-05-23
- 帖子
- 124
刚看到的新闻
转贴自KIX-FILEShttp://www.kix-files.com/2007/10/nike-to-buy-umbro-in-285m-deal/
Umbro, the maker of the England football team’s kit, has agreed to be bought by US sportswear giant Nike in a deal worth £285m ($580m).
Nike said the deal would allow it to “significantly expand” its presence in “a key growth category” for the firm. As well as providing kit for the England team, Umbro also supplies the kit for six Premier League clubs.
‘World class brand’
Nike began moving into football in the early 1990s and has been steadily expanding its share of the market, catching up with German rival Adidas.
“There is an ongoing battle between Nike and Adidas to sign up the very top teams,” said Nigel Currie, director at sports brand experts Brand Rapport.
“From a marketability point of view, the Nike brand is very appealing to top clubs and international federations,” he added.
In its offer document, Nike said Umbro was “a world-class, authentic football brand, with well established positions in key growth markets and a deep football heritage”.
“As such, Umbro is highly complementary to Nike’s existing football business and it is intended that it will operate as an independent, UK headquartered Nike affiliate,” the US firm said.
The Football Association said Nike had assured it that the FA’s relationship with Umbro would be protected.
Manchester-based Umbro said last month that sales of England tops had been “disappointing”, and analysts are concerned that sales could suffer if England fail to qualify for next year’s European Championship.
Defensive moves
Speculation had been rising that Nike was set to launch a bid after Umbro said last week that it had received an approach about a possible offer.
On Friday, retailer JJB Sports bought a 10.1% stake in Umbro in a move to protect its stake in the market for England football shirts.
The owner of rival retailer Sports World, Sports Direct International, already owns a 15% stake in Umbro.
In addition to the England team, Umbro also provides kit for the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Sweden.
In the Scottish Premier League, Umbro supplies kit to Rangers and Hearts.
‘Excellent deal’
Under the terms of the offer, Umbro shareholders will receive 193.06p for each share. Umbro’s shares closed up 25.25p, or 15.3%, at 190.25p.
The chief executive of Umbro, Steve Makin, said the offer was an “excellent deal” for shareholders.
“We will be a stronger and better business as part of Nike and this deal will allow us to accelerate our existing growth strategy by leveraging Nike’s global resources and expertise,” he added.
Brian Barwick, the chief executive of the FA, said: “We are delighted that the proposed acquisition will allow us to continue our strong historical relationship with Umbro while benefiting from the marketing expertise and financial strength of Nike.”
“Nike has provided firm assurances that the FA relationship with Umbro will be protected and enhanced, and we look forward to working closely with both companies moving forward,” Mr Barwick added.
显然是对阿迪达斯收购锐步的回应，耐克公司本年度做出重大决策，于本月23日现金收购英国最大及历史最悠久的体育用品公司茵宝（Umbro，恩宝），交易总金额约为5.82亿美元，合2.85亿英镑。此前，已经有传闻这一运动用品界的另一大收购案，然后耐克公司一直保持缄默，然而茵宝公司的股价却在传闻不胫而走后不久取得有史以来的最大涨幅。
茵宝公司是英国历史最悠久体育用品公司，主要产品是足球系列，在英国拥有超过1800家的卖店，是英格兰足球联赛六支球队的赞助商，一直以来都是英格兰国家足球队的赞助商。此前耐克与茵宝曾多次在球队的赞助上互相争斗，此次耐克公司是想在资源的分配上重新洗牌，我们知道阿迪收购锐步是在篮球系列产品上抄耐克美国的老家，而耐克这个显然是想借助茵宝在欧洲足球的影响力来打压阿迪。在棋子方面，耐克公司还有时尚休闲方面的生力军匡威公司，新成员茵宝的加入将更加丰富耐克的品牌家族。
Last edited:
