CORPORATE AND M&A
+++ Anta Sports has agreed to acquire a 29.06% stake in Puma for €1.5 billion in cash, becoming its largest shareholder to support the brand’s growth and global strategy while keeping Puma independent and ruling out a takeover
+++ US-made custom apparel specialist Borah Teamwear has been sold in an asset deal to nonprofit manufacturer ORC Industries and will operate under its Redfeather Outdoors subsidiary while keeping production in Wisconsin
+++ Revel Bikes is relocating its US headquarters from Carbondale to Golden, Colorado, to be closer to industry partners, suppliers and customers, with full operations planned by mid-March and a new demo showroom opening in April
+++ Foundation Outdoor Group has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with FishSkins Custom Rod Grips, which makes FishSkins fishing rod grips available for purchase worldwide through Foundation’s MudHole.com and through the Mud Hole Advantage B2B purchasing program +++
PRODUCT & MARKETING
+++ Italian bicycle maker Pinarello has introduced the Grevil MX, an addition to its gravel range for elite cross-country races
+++ Montana-based Crazy Creek has expanded into the hunting and tactical market with the launch of its lightweight, ground-based Hex chair series and named polar explorer John Huston as its new outdoor and tactical brand ambassador
+++ Swany has introduced the Nexus Heated Glove and Mitt for Fall/Winter 2026, combining its long-standing glove craftsmanship with ewool® heating technology to deliver fully integrated, adjustable warmth in extreme cold conditions
+++ eVent Fabrics has partnered with Shaun White–founded snowboard brand Whitespace, which is using eVent’s PFAS-free alpineST laminate in its top-tier Performance 3L Pant for enhanced waterproof breathability and durability
+++ Los Angeles-based Kila Footwear has partnered with 2025 UTMB champion Tom Evans for the 2026 season, with the elite ultra-runner racing and training in Kila’s custom 3D-printed running insoles to support performance and injury prevention
+++ Italian brand Karpos has released “Road to Italy: The Skimo Journey,” a three-episode web series that explores the many facets of ski mountaineering
+++ Bote, known for premium paddleboards and water-lifestyle gear, has launched the Hangout Shade, a portable UPF 50+ inflatable canopy designed to add lightweight, packable sun protection to on-water lounges and land-based gatherings, compatible with its Hangout Dock system +++
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
+++ US retailer Hibbett has partnered with DoorDash to offer nationwide, on-demand delivery of footwear, apparel and accessories from about 1,000 US stores, including major athletic brands, with DashPass benefits available
+++ Roots has signed a 10-year strategic distribution partnership with Canadian third-party logistics provider Metro Supply Chain, transferring its Ontario warehouse operations to support omnichannel growth and long-term scalability +++
EXECUTIVE CHANGES
+++ Global footwear company Caleres appointed SVP and Chief Accounting Officer Dan Karpel as interim CFO effective immediately, succeeding Jack Calandra, who will depart at month-end, as the company begins an external search while flagging potential fourth-quarter earnings risks tied to the Saks Global bankruptcy
+++ J.Lindeberg has appointed Swedish tech expert Linda Pimmeshofer as Chief Technology Officer to lead the modernization of its core systems and translate innovation in AI and digitalization into improved customer value
+++ OrthoLite has appointed performance footwear materials expert Doug Nickerson as Sales Manager, Performance East, strengthening its Eastern US sales leadership with added technical and commercial expertise
+++ Turtle Fur has appointed outdoor industry veteran Michael O’Connell as VP of Sales to lead its sales organization and expand domestic and international distribution
+++ Bleckmann CEO Kurt Pierloot will step down after six and a half years by mutual agreement, with Board Chairman Gökalp Çak taking over as interim CEO following a period of strong revenue growth and acquisitions
++ Stio has expanded its leadership team with new hires across apparel product management, e-commerce, inventory planning and retail planning to support the brand’s growth strategy heading into 2026 and beyond
+++ Muc-Off, a UK-based brand of care and performance products for bikes and motorcycles, has hired Sven Mack as Chief Strategy Officer to lead long-term strategic planning, global market development and the continued evolution of Muc-Off’s e-commerce platforms +++
CST & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ FedEx partners with Taiwan-based NGO Re-Think to expand its environmental efforts from river to beach cleanups, engaging employees and families to remove 450 kg of marine debris while promoting ocean conservation education +++
LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL
+++ Patagonia has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against drag activist Wyn Wiley, known as Pattie Gonia, seeking to stop merchandise sales that it says violate a prior agreement and infringe on its brand name +++
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