Manchester-Based Brand Umbro Holding Talks To Wrest Away ManU Kit Deal From Nike

Manchester-based sportswear firm Umbro is "competing to wrest away" ManU's kit contract from Nike, according to Ian Herbert of the London INDEPENDENT. The firm has been "rapidly revived since it was bought from Nike 15 months ago by Iconix Brand Group, the licensing company publicly traded on Nasdaq." There have been "three meetings between Umbro and United," in N.Y. -- where Iconix is based -- and the latest "two weeks ago at United’s commercial base in London." The "breadth of Iconix's global experience" -- with 30 licensed brands including Starter, which makes NBA products in the U.S., and rapper Jay-Z’s Rocawear -- is a "factor that has made it attractive" to ManU. The "tussle to win the contract, which will be awarded from the end of next season," is expected to net ManU more than £70M ($115.5M) a year. Uniqlo is "also in contention," as are adidas, Warrior and Puma (INDEPENDENT, 3/25).