Nike may be among the suitors of Spalding Sports Worldwide,
recently put up for sale by its parent, the Cisneros Group of
Argentina, according to BRANDWEEK. Sporting goods trade sources
said last week Nike is eyeing Spalding as its entry point into
the sporting goods industry's "hard goods" side. Spalding, which
shares Nike's equities in golf and basketball, sent out packages
to a roster of prospective buyers last week. Spalding President
& CEO George Dickerman would not confirm Nike's, or any other
specific buyer's inclusion on the list, but said he would "be
surprised if they weren't interested in us." Sources close to
Nike warned the company is always a "first stop" for such
offerings. While Spalding would offer Nike an entry into golf
equipment and better distribution for its own branded balls, Nike
shies away from "championing" other brands (Grimm & Stogel,
BRANDWEEK, 5/13 issue).
A PROFILE OF THE BOSS: Dickerman is profiled in BRANDWEEK
by Chuck Stogel who writes Dickerman "one of those chief execs
who likes to keep his office door open -- not so much to keep
tabs on what his subordinates are up to, but to invite visits
from the rank and file." Dickerman said the fact Spalding is for
sale doesn't necessarily mean an upheaval is at hand. Dickerman:
"There are very few companies in this or any other industry that
have the stable leadership and a record of consistent growth
comparable to Spalding. That is our greatest equity." Dickerman
on Spalding's status as "official ball" for events: "To be the
official ball of the NIT, the official ball of UMass, really all
those things have an impact. And when our customers, the Wal-
Marts of the world and the small sporting goods stores, see that
our products are being endorsed by these official leagues, that
is powerful. ...NBA endorsement is the most powerful endorsement
we have and I say that overrides an individual name" (BRANDWEEK,
5/13 issue).
