439 Year Old Company Piana Technology Brings Legacy Into The Future As CES 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — January 3, 2022 — Piana Technology, a 439-year-old textile company known for innovation within the fiber and nonwoven textiles markets, today announced that it has been named a CES® 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree. The Innovation Award honors the outstanding design and engineering of E/SMART™ — a high-performance nonwoven fiber technology that surpasses the qualities of polyurethane foam while reducing its negative impacts. Piana will debut this technology at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show, its first year in attendance, through their virtual activation experience.

E/SMART offers uncommon integration of digital wellness and product sustainability. Its recyclable and nontoxic fibers are vertically-lapped to provide even pressure point distribution, unprecedented airflow, and antiviral capabilities that outperform those of conventional materials. Even at its reduced weight, it boasts superior compressional and thermal resistance for extensive applications. Flexible integrated pressure sensors within E/SMART can enable healthy posture and sleep quality through personalization of the products.  We are developing this technology to act as a diagnostic tool in hospital settings. Combined with digitally-printed molecules, it can adapt to wide consumer requests for a user-friendly experience. At its end of life, it can be 100-percent reclaimed and molded for endless customer possibilities.

Replacing the 1.3 million metric tons of annually landfilled PU foam with E/SMART would eliminate over 4 million metric tons of CO2 each year, leading to reduced impact on quality of life, health, productivity and slowed environmental decline. CEO Andrea Piana sees E/SMART as an opportunity to change the way we approach sustainability.

“The modern world is reliant on materials of the past. If we want to maximize our human potential, we must develop new technologies that adapt alongside us,” Andrea Piana said.

“With E/SMART, we’ve built a tech platform for the circular economy with renewable materials that can be upgraded as technology improves — without waste — for endless applications. Along the way, we can make foam obsolete.”

Piana Technology began in 1582 in Biella, Italy. In 1995, Andrea Piana became CEO, ushering in an eco-friendly era for the company and opening its first U.S. factory in Cartersville, Ga., before developing SaveDrop Technology and expanding into nonwovens. Today, Piana’s innovative technologies are used in B2B settings to power Fortune 500 companies in product categories including sleep, furniture, transportation, lifestyle, medical, and in-flight.

The recognition of E/SMART’s capabilities as a CES 2022 Innovation Award Honoree comes as Piana Technology prepares to launch direct-to-consumer products. E/SMART’s moldability, recyclability, and adaptability tied with intuitive molecular technology will lead us one step closer to a user-driven circular economy. As the market searches for zero waste solutions away from traditional habits, Piana Technology will lead us into the future.

Experience the world of Piana Technology at CES 2022 by visiting piana.tech/ces.

Posted: January 3, 2022

Source: Piana Technology

Cardi B x Reebok Drop New Metallic Apparel & Sneaker Collection

BOSTON, Mass. — December 28, 2021 — Coming off the heels of the massively successful launch of Reebok x Cardi B’s capsule collection ‘Let Me Be… In My World’ this summer, the iconic brand and legendary artist are teaming up again for the second drop, ‘Let Me Be…In My World Nighttime’. The collection, inspired by Cardi’s Home of NYC at night, comes with a new metallic Cardi B Classic Leather sneaker, as well as an entirely new apparel line-up that nods to the bright lights and vibrant city skyline. The collection continues Cardi’s legacy while paying homage to the city that made her who she is today.

With high-shine metallics throughout, the ‘Let Me Be…In My World Nighttime’ capsule is built to carry any hustler through the after-hours of New York City nightlife. The collection ranges from tight fitted crops and tights to oversized cargo pants and features playful materials and bright color blocking. It also includes for the first time ever a plush and cozy fleece robe with Cardi’s signature logo embroidered on the chest. Overall, the collection has led to a capsule that is as vibrant as Cardi’s personality.

The collection is anchored by a new metallic Cardi B Classic Leather sneaker that represents the global superstar’s years of hustling and working towards the level of success and fame she has today. The classic style comes in five colorways of core black/vector red/champagne, champagne/gold, pewter/black, black/silver and fluid blue.

To bring the story, colors and designs to life, Reebok designers worked in close collaboration with Cardi B and her team for this latest collection; from honing in on the metallic details to ideating the most unique materials that would make a true style statement.

“Nighttime in my hometown of New York is such a beautiful, magical experience, and I’m happy to see this magic come to life with my latest Reebok collection,” Cardi said. “These pieces are easy to wear from the street to the club while still letting you feel comfortable, confident and unique. I promise you’ll be feeling like the best version of yourself when you have these pieces on!”

The full collection, featuring both footwear and apparel, will be live starting December 29 at 10am EST on Reebok.com and select retailers. The capsule’s core black/vector red/champagne Classic Leather x Cardi B colorway will be available exclusively on Reebok.com.

Designed with all figures in mind, all apparel in the ‘Let Me Be…In My World Nighttime’ collection will be available in inclusive colors, materials, and sizing, ranging from 2XS to 4X. The collection also features a variety of footwear in children’s sizes.

Posted: December 31, 2021

Source: Reebok

American Eagle Outfitters Completes Quiet Logistics Acquisition

PITTSBURGH — December 29, 2021 — American Eagle Outfitters today announced it has completed the acquisition of Quiet Logistics and strategic investments for approximately $360 million in cash (including adjustments for closing cash and working capital). Quiet Logistics is a leading logistics company that operates a network of in-market fulfillment centers in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, St. Louis and Jacksonville, locating products closer to need, creating inventory efficiencies, cost benefits and affordable same-day and next-day delivery options to customers and stores.

“I am thrilled to officially welcome Quiet Logistics into the AEO Inc. portfolio, cementing a collaborative partnership that has meaningfully contributed to our financial results over the past 18 months,” said Jay Schottenstein, AEO’s executive chairman of the board and CEO. “AEO’s unique ability to reduce delivery costs amid rising inflation is a direct reflection of the efficiencies provided by their innovative fulfillment model. Quiet Logistics has a highly experienced supply chain leadership team and I look forward to their partnership as we continue to drive operational excellence and grow the platform into a meaningful business.”

Quiet Logistics will be a wholly-owned AEO subsidiary and will continue to run its business independently. The network will support AEO’s continued growth, while also driving economies of scale as it expands its customer base to other brands and retailers seeking advanced logistics capabilities.

Posted: December 31, 2021

Source: American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

Lions Not Sheep Apparel® Names Former TapouT Co-Founder Dan Caldwell As President And Chief Operating Officer

BLUFFDALE, Utah — December 27, 2021 — Lions Not Sheep Apparel®, one of the fastest-growing apparel brands in the United States, announced today the hiring of former TapouT co-founder Dan Caldwell as its new president and COO, effective January 3, 2022.

Caldwell has extensive experience spanning 24 years in the apparel brand industry and was the co-founder and president of the global combat sports brand TapouT. He was instrumental in growing TapouT to $350 million in revenue and led the sale of the company to Authentic Brands Group in 2010.

Headquartered in Bluffdale, Utah, Lions Not Sheep Apparel is a fast-growing global apparel and lifestyle company that has sparked a powerful demand. Their products appeal to those patriots around the world who lead and create versus blindly following the masses. What started as a single T-shirt designed by company founder Sean Whalen as a personal mantra has led to an entire movement.

“Dan brings incredible insight and knowledge of the apparel business, and has experience successfully building a highly visible global brand,” said Sean Whalen, founder and CEO of Lions Not Sheep Apparel. “With triple-digit annual growth, Lions Not Sheep is quickly becoming a household name and Dan will help us take things to the next level.”

Caldwell will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations, implement strategic growth initiatives, strengthen the company’s supply chains, and develop production partnerships. His extensive experience in the apparel market will help the company significantly scale its global operations.

“I’m inspired by what the brand stands for, because it’s what I stand for,” said Caldwell. “It’s created a movement that people want to be a part of and I believe that movement has contributed to its early success. We are going to build this into a global brand.”

Posted: December 31, 2021

Source: Lions Not Sheep Apparel

Vista Outdoor Announces Acquisition Of Stone Glacier

ANOKA, Minn. — December 28, 2021 — Vista Outdoor Inc. — a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets — today announced the acquisition of Stone Glacier, a premium brand focused on ultralightweight, performance hunting gear designed for backcountry use. The addition of Stone Glacier to Vista Outdoor’s portfolio of outdoor products and shooting sports brands will allow the company to enter the packs, camping equipment and technical apparel categories with a fast-growing brand and provide a foundation for Vista Outdoor to leverage camping category synergies.

“I am excited to welcome the Stone Glacier team into the Vista Outdoor family,” said Vista Outdoor CEO Chris Metz. “Stone Glacier is an enthusiast brand that is fast-growing, well-managed and a great cultural fit. Our centers of excellence, brand portfolio and distribution network will support Stone Glacier as they reach their next level of awareness, maturity and growth. Stone Glacier enhances our ability to enter and leverage the camping category, which has exploded in popularity over recent years. The acquisition also further bolsters our reputation as the acquirer of choice in the outdoor industry.”

Founded in 2012 by Kurt Racicot, Stone Glacier designs and manufactures the lightest, most durable gear coveted by discerning backcountry adventurers. Based in Bozeman, Mont., with its headquarters surrounded by iconic public lands in Big Sky country, the brand has established itself as the premium preferred choice of backcountry hunters, outfitters and guides throughout the world.

“The future of Stone Glacier is bright. This partnership comes at a great time for our business, and we are excited for the support that Vista Outdoor will provide to accelerate our growth and continue developing industry-leading products,” said Stone Glacier President Jeff Sposito. “We have been fortunate to build a following of the most dedicated backcountry hunters and it has always been our mission to bring the best products, service and innovations to market. This partnership ensures we will continue to execute on that mission at the highest level.”

Vista Outdoor used cash on hand and available liquidity under its asset-based revolving credit facility to complete the transaction. Vista Outdoor expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to earnings, excluding transaction and transition costs. Vista Outdoor’s leverage ratio is expected to be below 1.0x at FY 2022 fiscal year end. This is the seventh acquisition in last 16 months for Vista Outdoor, including Remington, HEVI-Shot, Venor, QuietKat, Foresight Sports and Fiber Energy Products.

Reed Smith LLP acted as legal counsel to Vista Outdoor and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP acted as legal counsel to the sellers in connection with the transaction.

Posted: December 31, 2021

Source: Vista Outdoor Inc.

Huntsman Announces Review Of Strategic Options For Textile Effects And Compensation Plan Aligned With Financial Targets

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — December 28, 2021 — Huntsman Corp. today announced two significant corporate initiatives: a review of strategic options for its Textile Effects Division and a multi-year compensation plan designed to align the incentives of the Company’s management team with the targets presented at the Company’s Investor Day in November.

Review of Strategic Alternatives for Textile Effects

The Huntsman Board of Directors has authorized management to conduct a strategic review of the Textile Effects Division, which is headquartered in Singapore, including a possible sale of the division. The review will begin early in the first quarter of 2022.

“We have been transparent about our continued evaluation of divestment opportunities that are both in line with our strategic goals and in the best interests of our shareholders,” said Peter R. Huntsman, chairman, president and CEO. “We believe now is the right time to explore options for Textile Effects. We expect that the division will generate close to $100 million of Adjusted EBITDA in 2021, recovering much of what was lost due to COVID-19. While its value-added portfolio of sustainable products is consistent with Huntsman’s strategic direction, there may well be an external party that recognizes the value of these extremely attractive assets and will be a better owner for them.”

Huntsman has not set a timetable or a deadline for the conclusion of its evaluation of strategic alternatives for the Textile Effects Division but plans to move expeditiously, and it does not intend to comment further unless and until the board has approved a specific course of action or the company has otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate or required by law.

Compensation Plan Aligned with Investor Day Targets

The board of directors also authorized management of the company to implement a multi-year compensation plan for all officers and vice presidents designed to align with the interests of all shareholders and with the targets presented at the company’s Investor Day in November.

A significant majority of the plan participants’ equity incentives will be performance-based and tied to relative Total Shareholder Return and Free Cash Flow measures. In addition, the entirety of the Company’s incentive cash bonus program will be linked to the achievement of the Adjusted EBITDA margin, Optimization Program and Free Cash Flow targets set out at the Investor Day. Each of these targets builds on a multi-year effort to improve upon the company’s 2021 performance.

Huntsman continued: “Consistent with the guidance we gave on Investor Day, we are committed to improving upon the strongest profit and margin performance for our current portfolio of businesses. We believe these changes to our compensation plan will enhance our culture of accountability and effectively incentivize our management team to deliver on our Investor Day commitments and generate enhanced shareholder value.”

Posted: December 31, 2021

Source: Huntsman Corporation

Texworld New York City & Apparel Sourcing New York City 2022 Edition Moves To Virtual Due To Rising Pandemic Concerns

NEW YORK CITY — December 29, 2021 — After careful consideration regarding the increased concerns surrounding COVID-19 as well as New York State regulations, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Winter 2022 edition in-person segment of Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City. In lieu of the physical event, both shows will continue virtually and can be accessed live during the original show dates, January 25-27, 2022.

Our high level of international participation, increasing travel restrictions, and rising number of COVID-19 variant cases has led to a significant deterioration in the general conditions for holding the in-person shows. “Our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel towards our exhibitors, partners, attendees, and staff,” said Jennifer Bacon, Show Director, Fashion & Apparel. “While this is disappointing for all involved, we hope there is a level of understanding that this was a necessary step to help keep each other safe in these unprecedented times.”

The Virtual Platform will open with similar features found on the trade show floor. Attendees will be able to take advantage of the AI-powered matchmaking capabilities of recommended textile suppliers, video meetings, and more. In addition, the highly anticipated educational program scheduled for January’s in-person show will also continue virtually; dates and times remain unchanged. The full schedule for Textile Talks and the Lenzing Seminar Series can be found on our websites: www.TexworldNewYorkCity.com; www.ApparelSourcingNewYorkCity.com

The Texworld and Apparel Sourcing New York City team remains hopeful and focused on delivering a successful Summer 2022 edition with plans to take place in-person on July 19-21 in New York City.

Despite this unfortunate obstacle, we want the industry to know that we are fully committed to serving and supporting the community that we love. We intend to continue to create abundant opportunities to support the textile and apparel community as well as serve as a place for inspiration for designers, buyers, and industry professionals. Until we meet again.

Posted: December 31, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.

Premium Lifestyle Brand Brixton Appoints New CFO Rick Robertson

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — December 21, 2021 — Brixton today announced that Rick Robertson, the former CFO of Municipal Co. Inc., will join Brixton as its new CFO beginning January 3, 2022.

Prior to his current role, he served as vice president of Commercial Finance at TaylorMade Golf Company where he spent over two decades shaping the golf juggernaut’s financials ahead of their acquisition by KPS partners in 2017. In his most recent role, he served as CFO at Municipal Co. where he joined the direct-to-consumer startup in 2019 and has led them to their current financial success in the activewear sector.

Robertson will be reporting directly to CEO, Raphael Peck, where he will help lead the organization through the explosive growth. The brand’s expansion has been driven by strategic initiatives around aggressive wholesale account focus, digital direct-to-consumer initiatives, a fast-growing women’s business launched in 2019, and the growing fleet of Brixton Retail Experiences.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Brixton growth story. The brand is poised for continued success, and the opportunity to help shape the future and build a financial strategy to support our growth is really compelling,” said Robertson on the role.

“It was important to find a partner who understood the complexity of our business. Rick brings incredible experience across a variety of operational disciplines that will enable Brixton to accelerate its growth journey,” explained Raphael Peck, CEO.

Posted: December 22, 2021

Source: Brixton

Fox Racing, Supplier Of Bike Safety Equipment And Apparel, Expands Outreach In MTB Community

IRVINE, Calif. — December 22, 2021 — Fox Racing, the supplier of bike safety equipment and apparel, gears up to support the growing cycling industry, announcing new partnerships with PeopleForBikes and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Fox will work alongside both organizations to create more cycling opportunities, develop youth programs, and improve retailer and rider relationships in the industry.

Fox is pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with PeopleForBikes, one of the nation’s leading bicycle advocacy organizations. This collaboration will help PeopleForBikes continue to advance youth and community well-being by expanding youth bicycle access and paving the way for increased health, equity, and diversity in bicycling.

Fox has also formed a multi-year partnership with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), the organizing body for high school mountain biking and the largest youth mountain biking organization in the United States. Fox will work with NICA to further support the organization, its high school teams, and its coaches and directors. In addition to direct monetary support and access to product, Fox and NICA plan to develop special programs to further support riders that don’t have the financial resources and improve diversity in cycling.

“We want to create inspired cycling experiences for more people, and PeopleForBikes and NICA are making that happen,” said Fox CEO Jeff McGuane. “From new places to ride, to youth support and diversification, we are working with partners to pay-forward our love of cycling.”

“We believe bicycling is a fun and healthy way for people of all ages to enjoy their communities. We are proud to join PeopleforBikes and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association as accessible routes and safe equipment are crucial for riders to avail themselves to all the all the positive benefits bicycling has to offer,” said Fox North America GM Kelly Carioti. “These organizations support the future of the sport and are key to ensuring that young riders and people in areas where bicycling has been difficult are included. As the industry leader in bicycling equipment, we can’t think of a better way to grow than to have more people pedaling safely!”

Fox would like to thank our great partners at PeopleForBikes and NICA, as well as our dealer network, as we continue to work to create great gear and more cycling opportunities.

Posted: December 22, 2021

Source: Fox Racing

Cadre Holdings Announces Acquisition of Radar Leather Division S.r.l.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — December 22, 2021 — Cadre Holdings Inc., a global manufacturer and distributer of safety and survivability equipment for first responders, with core products that include body armor, explosive ordnance disposal equipment, and duty gear, announced today the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the stock of Radar Leather Division S.r.l. from the leadership team of Pietro and Paolo Pellegrini. Pietro Pellegrini, CEO of Radar, and Paolo Pellegrini, vice president of Radar, will remain with the business and partner with the team at Cadre to further grow and develop the business alongside Cadre’s wholly owned subsidiary, Safariland LLC.

Established in 1957 by Gisberto Pellegrini and based in Fucecchio, Italy, Radar is a premiere family-owned duty gear business that specializes in the production of high-quality holsters, belts, duty belts, and other accessories. Radar generates the majority of its revenue in Europe, selling its products through distribution partners and directly to agencies.

Warren B. Kanders, Chairman and CEO of Cadre, said: “This marks our first acquisition following the Company’s initial public offering and is consistent with the strategy we laid out to investors both during the offering process and since. Radar is a well-established duty gear brand with leading market shares and a reputation for innovation, safety, and quality. This acquisition grows our international presence and provides the company another EU foothold, further diversifying our footprint and providing multiple growth avenues. We are pleased to welcome Pietro and Paolo to our team, and we look forward to a successful future together.”

Pietro Pellegrini, CEO of Radar, commented: “Paolo and I are very proud of the legacy our family has built with Radar, and we are excited to join forces with Cadre and Safariland. Safariland’s reputation for innovation, quality, and service is outstanding, and we believe that Radar and Safariland together will be stronger. We remain personally engaged and committed to providing law enforcement, military, and other first responder professionals with the best equipment available and seeing Radar flourish in its next chapter.”

Kanders continued, “We expect this transaction to be immediately accretive for our shareholders, and we are well-positioned to execute our growth strategy focused on organic and acquisition initiatives.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in January 2022, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Posted: December 22, 2021

Source: Cadre Holdings, Inc.

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