CONVERSE WANTS APEX TO FOCUS IN ON NFL AND COLLEGE

     While Converse recently acquired Apex One (assuming Apex's
NFL license) in a deal valued at $50M, they hope to "trim Apex's
number of licensees to focus strictly" on the NFL and collegiate
markets, according to SPORTING GOODS BUSINESS.  Converse Chair
Gib Ford said they will discontinue Apex's lines with the NHL,
NBA, and MLB for the "short-term."  Ford: "We felt from the
beginning that Apex was trying to do too much and that was
causing them damage. We want to have them focus on their best
opportunities, which are primarily with the NFL, and collegiate
teams, which are closely aligned with what we are doing at
Converse."  Converse has taken over the Apex brand on NFL
footwear, however Ford said the Apex trademark "will remain on
the apparel for the time being."  Ford said they were looking to
"reduce costs" at Apex's HQ in Piscataway, NJ, but Apex
President/CEO Michael Lewis is "expected to play an active role
in the new partnership" (SGB, 6/95 issue).