New York-based SLM International, known for its CCM
skates and hockey wear, is back from bankruptcy protection
and "captained" by former Canstar Sports Chair Gerald
Wasserman, according to Francois Shalom in the MONTREAL
GAZETTE. Formerly retired, Wasserman's "mission" for the
next five years will be to "pound the stuffing" out of
former employer Canstar, renamed Bauer after it was bought
by Nike two years ago. SLM was "hauled" out of Chapter 11
by Wellspring Associates, an investment firm controlled by
Martin Davis, former Paramount Communications Chair. The
new management, headed by CEO Wasserman and hand-picked by
Wellspring, is four months into a total restructuring and is
busy mapping out a relaunch marketing "blitz" for this year.
Wasserman: "I know a little bit about hockey, and they
convinced me this is an opportunity to resurrect a company
that was truly in dire straits." The company will feature
its Tacks ice and roller-hockey skates, its CCM recreational
ice and in-line skates, and its apparel division which
includes official NHL jerseys (MONTREAL GAZETTE, 2/17).
