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FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. and LOUISVILLE, Colo., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — United Sports Brands (“USB“), a global leader in sports performance and protective products, today announced that it has acquired PEARL iZUMi USA (“PEARL iZUMi“), an iconic manufacturer and retailer of cycling apparel and accessories. PEARL iZUMi will join USB’s portfolio of protective and 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 ’80s cycling boom. In 1989, four investors in Boulder, Colo., bought the rights to build a US-based PEARL iZUMi brand, leveraging technology and fabrics from the original company in Japan. Since then, the brand has grown to be the market leader in cycling apparel in the US, and is widely distributed across Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2008, PEARL iZUMi was acquired by Shimano, a Japanese multinational manufacturer of cycling components, fishing tackle and rowing equipment. The brand has since realized significant US and 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 also 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…
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