Birkenstock to Execute $250 Million Accelerated Share Repurchase
Birkenstock Holding plc has entered a $250 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Goldman Sachs International, paying the cash on May 21 and receiving an initial delivery of roughly 6 million ordinary shares at a $33.21 closing price. The transaction represents about 80% of the shares initially underlying the ASR and is slated for completion by June 30, 2026. Birkenstock’s stock has slipped from $40.90 at the start of the year to $33.21, prompting the company to use its cash reserves to support the share price. CEO Oliver Reichert says the buyback underscores confidence in the brand’s fundamentals and a projected 13‑15% annual revenue growth.
Fanatics Signs Trading-Card Licensing Deal with England Football Association
Fanatics announced an exclusive licensing agreement with the England Football Association that will allow its Topps unit to produce trading cards, stickers and game‑based collectibles for both the men’s and women’s national teams starting in 2031. The deal grants Topps...
Dr. Scholl’s Parent Acquires Carbon Insole Brand VKTRY
Scholl’s Wellness, the parent of Dr. Scholl’s, announced it has acquired VKTRY, a carbon‑fiber performance insole brand. VKTRY, founded by the Arciuolo family, leverages patented technology that stores and returns energy, appealing to young athletes and driving rapid direct‑to‑consumer growth. The...
EXEC: West Marine Files for Bankruptcy, Store Closures Expected
West Marine, the nation’s largest boating and fishing retailer, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware, listing assets and liabilities each between $500 million and $1 billion. The filing cites $166.7 million in future lease obligations and $119.9 million in unpaid trade liabilities as primary drivers...
RideNow Group Expands Floorplan Financing Ahead of Key Powersports Season
RideNow Group announced a $35 million expansion of its floorplan financing, raising its total credit capacity to roughly $400 million. The new facility, provided by Wells Fargo, lifts RideNow’s floorplan limit from $100 million to $135 million, allocating $115 million for new‑vehicle inventory and $20 million for...
EXEC: Hoka Parent and Nike Inc. Stocks Downgraded on Potential GLP-1 Adoption Effect
Wells Fargo Securities downgraded Nike to equal weight and Deckers Brands to underweight, citing the uneven impact of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs on apparel sub‑segments. The firm estimates GLP‑1 adoption adds 100 basis points to apparel growth in 2024 and 120 bps...
Stio Hires Seven Regional Sales Agencies; Costigan Named NSM Wholesale
Stio, the Wyoming‑based outdoor apparel brand, announced the appointment of seven regional sales agencies across the United States to strengthen its wholesale network. The agencies span the Northeast, Rockies, South, West, Northwest, Midwest and Southeast, providing localized expertise and retailer...
EXEC: Nike’s Brazilian Partner Jumps on Wholesale Gains and World Cup Jersey Sales
Grupo SBF, Nike’s Brazilian partner, reported a strong start to 2026, with first‑quarter net revenue climbing 14.9% to R$1.8 billion (about $360 million) and adjusted net income up 6.1% to R$79 million ($15.8 million). The company highlighted a 48.7% year‑over‑year surge in wholesale sales,...
GoPro, Inc. Retains Houlihan Lokey to Pursue Strategic Alternatives, Including Sale
GoPro, Inc. has engaged investment bank Houlihan Lokey to act as financial advisor while it evaluates a potential sale and other strategic alternatives. The move follows a May 11 announcement that the company received unsolicited interest from parties in the defense, consumer...
EXEC: Rapala VMC Posts 20 Percent Comp Exchange Growth in North America in Q1
Rapala VMC reported a solid start to 2026, posting 13% comparable‑exchange sales growth driven by new product launches and efficient supply‑chain execution. North America led the surge, with sales up 20% on a CE basis to €40.5 million (≈$44 million), while comparable...
EXEC: Leatt Corp Sets Stock Buyback Program
Leatt Corp., the South Africa‑based maker of protective gear for motocross, mountain biking and other action sports, announced that its board has approved a final share repurchase of up to $419,410. The buyback completes the balance of a previously authorized...
Quebec’s Printeez to Open U.S. Headquarters in Florida
Printeez, a Quebec‑based print‑on‑demand and embroidery firm, has signed a lease for a 34,020‑square‑foot industrial space in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, to serve as its U.S. headquarters and production hub. The facility will house customized apparel manufacturing, including direct‑to‑garment, direct‑to‑film, and...
RealReal Lifts FY Outlook as Q1 Revenues Expand 19 Percent
The RealReal, Inc. lifted its full‑year outlook after Q1 results beat expectations, with gross merchandise value (GMV) climbing 24% to $606 million and total revenue rising 19% to $190 million. Consignment revenue grew 18% while direct revenue surged 26% year‑over‑year, and adjusted...
Northeast Pennsylvania’s Harry’s Sporting Goods to Close
Harry’s Sporting Goods, a Berwick, PA retailer operating since 1891, announced it will close by early June 2026. Owner Kerri Troiani cited the pandemic‑induced shutdown and the loss of key vendors—most notably Nike in 2019—as primary reasons. Attempts to sell...
EXEC: WS WeSports Group AB Expands Stakes in SkiCom Sweden AB and Bikelease AB
WS WeSports Group AB has increased its ownership in two specialist subsidiaries, raising its stake in SkiCom Sweden AB from 51% to 80% and acquiring 100% of Bikelease AB, which it previously held at 60%. The transactions were executed at...