Adidas is considering a purchase of Sport Maska Inc., a
Montreal-based maker of skates and hockey apparel, according to
Jeff Manning of the Portland OREGONIAN. Sport Maska sells the
CCM brand of skates, "one of the two leading hockey brands," and
the company reported '94 sales of $185M. Although Sport Maska
VP/Marketing Jon Hodgins says "nothing has happened," he did
confirm that Sport Maska's "troubled parent," SLM International,
has retained investment firm Bear Stearns & Co. "to explore
options." The deal would be of interest to Reebok, because in
'92 Reebok licensed its pump technology to Sport Maska. The pump
skate is now Sport Maska's best-selling model. Reebok
spokesperson Dave Fogelson: "We know of Adidas interest. It's
not something that is taking us by surprise." Last December,
Nike acquired skate manufacturer Canstar Sports for $395M, and
Manning writes the "allure of hockey and skating in general is
obvious." CCM has an exclusive apparel license with all NHL
teams, and is the "market share leader in hockey skates, helmets,
gloves, and pants" (Portland OREGONIAN, 9/21).
WHO'S HOT ON THE ICE? The Capitals' Jim Carey has become
the first NHL goaltender to reach a promotional deal with Nike,
according to his agent Brian Lawton. Carey has reportedly signed
a six-figure, three-year contract, "with its first visible signs
to come after the All-Star Game in January" (WASHINGTON POST,
9/22). Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier shot a footwear and
clothing commercial yesterday for L.A. Gear (N.Y. POST, 9/22).
