Authentic Brands Group is keen to acquire sports and lifestyle company Boardriders, including Australia’s 80-strong Surf Dive ‘n Ski chain of stores for an estimated $1.88 billion. Boardriders is has some big brands like Billabong, Quiksilver, Roxy, Element, Honoua and VonZipper in its portfolio.
Jamie Salter, the founder, chairman and CEO of Authentic Brands Group, said the acquisition would help accelerate and expand Boardriders’ branded retail stores, wholesale and e-commerce network worldwide. Authentic Brands Group sees Boardriders’ potential as a thriving online marketplace under the company’s ownership. It sees tremendous opportunities to accelerate the expansion of its shops-in-shops, branded retail stores, wholesale and e-commerce worldwide.
Arne Arens, CEO of Boardriders, said under Authentic’s ownership, the brand is uniquely positioned to expand and reach more consumers. Boardriders was initially founded as Quiksilver in 1969 in Torquay, Victoria. It is one of the world’s largest brands of surfwear and boardsport-related equipment.
By adding Boardriders’ brands to its portfolio, Authentic is expected to increase its systemwide annual retail sales to nearly $40 billion, and retail footprint to more than 11,100-plus freestanding stores and shop-in-shops globally.
