Tech News Flash – February 19, 2008 Edited by Sue George Got tech? Send press releases, news, and tech questions to the Cyclingnews tech desk. Shimano acquires Pearl Izumi for US$69.5M By James Huang Shimano has purchased Pearl Izumi Photo ©: James Huang Shimano has purchased Pearl Izumi, the apparel and footwear division of fitness giant Nautilus, Inc., for US$69.5M. The purchase price includes $65.3 million in cash and the assumption of $4.2 million in long-term debt along with any net working capital adjustments. Pending regulatory approval and closing conditions, the deal is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008. Pearl Izumi will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Shimano American Corporation (SAC) and Shimano will also own Pearl Izumi's facility in Kirchzarten, Germany along with the rights to Pearl Izumi sales and distribution throughout North and South America, Europe, Australia and select other countries with the exception of Japan and most of Asia. "The acquisition brings together two companies started by Japanese families who share a passion for cycling," said SAC President David Pfeiffer. "Both have strong research and development backgrounds, offer industry leading innovations, and share an obsession with quality and performance. We'll continue to build the respective brands and remain dedicated to the healthy independent dealer networks we've both enjoyed." "The entire team at Pearl Izumi USA and Europe are excited about opportunities and benefits we gain in becoming part of Shimano," said Pearl Izumi President Juergen Eckmann. "Shimano provides knowledge and expertise which will make our brand stronger and we in turn have a great deal of experience in performance apparel, fabric technologies and run footwear that Shimano did not previously possess." "We believe this divestiture is in the best interest of shareholders by providing liquidity and keeping our organization focused on restoring profitability to our global fitness business," added Bob Falcone, President and CEO of Nautilus, Inc. "Pearl Izumi is an excellent brand of apparel and footwear for cycling and running. We are pleased to have found a strategic buyer in Shimano that values the brand as well as our talented apparel and footwear staff." According to SAC, Pearl Izumi will become part of a "broad dual brand" strategy whereby Shimano will continue to offer its own line of branded footwear and apparel in concert with Pearl Izumi footwear and apparel in all of its markets. SAC has also stated that Pearl Izumi will remain a standalone company and its current operations and management will remain in its Broomfield, Colorado and Kirchzarten locations. "Pearl Izumi is a leader in the performance sports apparel and footwear market, and we plan to keep them in that position," Pfeiffer said. "Pearl Izumi's design expertise creates products for the avid cycling and running enthusiasts and we'll provide Juergen Eckmann and his team with all of Shimano's support and resources needed to continue that tradition." Photography For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang / Cyclingnews Shimano has purchased Pearl Izumi thus gaining access to its extensive resources in the cycling and running footwear and apparel world.