California-based United Sports Brands (USB), owner of Spalding, Nathan, Shock Doctor and KT Tape, among others, has acquired the bike apparel brand Pearl Izumi from Shimano. USB is a portfolio company of Bregal Partners, a private equity firm. Pearl Izumi has been part of the Japanese Shimano company since 2008. Besides its core road cycling apparel category, the brand has established a new business in the mountain bike, casual apparel and footwear markets. The brand aims to transition to a smaller ecological footprint: Today, 90 percent of its products are made from more sustainable materials. The corporate goal is to become carbon-neutral by 2025.
According to BDA Partners, Shimano’s representatives during the financial transaction, Pearl Izumi will operate with the support of Shimano for a transition period to meet the needs of retailers and maintain the business as planned. The statement also confirms the company’s commitment to partnering with leading retailers, including independent bike dealers and outdoor retailers, “to ensure that the brand is available wherever cycling consumers prefer to shop.”
