A newly launched performance sports apparel brand has started up in the Tees Valley, following a £450,000 ($650,900) acquisition deal, according to Jamie Hardesty of BDAILY. Beyond Limits Known Sports CEO Ben Houchen and COO Mark Holt, together with Head of Purchasing Claire Fiddler and Head of Marketing Ben Azadi, have invested £450,000 to acquire the U.K. license for Australia-based BLK Sports and establish it at Stockton. BLK is "already working in partnership" with the Rugby Football League to provide the England Rugby League team, the RFL and sports match officials with kit for the next four years. BLK was created in Australia in '11 with the goal of developing an "innovative, strong and credible brand through customer service and quality player tested apparel and accessories." The product range has been developed to fulfill "the needs of the modern athlete and supporter, from technical training and match day equipment and apparel to a superior lifestyle and supporters range." The "emphasis is on design excellence, performance, durability and innovation" (BDAILY, 5/16).
