THE COMPASS hears from usually well-informed sources that Icebreaker, the Kiwi brand for Merino-based functional sportswear, is about to reshuffle its European distribution. In August 2008, the New Zealanders acquired Rockline Nature Zone, which was then its distributor for France and Switzerland, and opened an Eastern European office in the Czech Republic at the same time. Whispers in the industry say that Icebreaker aims to take the distribution in Norway, Sweden and Germany in its own hands. Some even talk about a major acquisition. Icebreaker officials refuse to comment, but do say that a few changes might be ahead.
