Shimano acquires Pearl Izumi for US$69.5M

[Keith A]

This was a bit of a surprise that I saw on CyclingNews this morning...Shimano acquires Pearl Izumi for US$69.5M (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2008/news/02-19). Interesting move by Shimano :confused:

[Vancouverdave]

Good; PI won't be screwed up by ownership who doesn't think there's much difference between cycling shoes and aerobics shoes!

[MilanoTom]

Good; PI won't be screwed up by ownership who doesn't think there's much difference between cycling shoes and aerobics shoes!

No, instead they'll start making fishing hats.

[wasfast]

The rumor mill has been saying this for a couple months. Pearl was previously owned by Nautlius, who's headquarters is right by my house here in Vancouver. The rumors also say that while Bowflex machines are selling moderately well, the Nautlius part of their business is slow. Selling Pearl was a way of raising some cash to continue operations.

[Keith A]

Sounds like this could also be good for PI since they will be now owned by a cycling (and fishing :) ) company.

[woolly]

PI makes my favorite cycling gloves, or at least they used to.

They used to be the most comfortable & best-fitting ones for me, and they lasted a looooong time. But that was once-upon-a-time. Now the fit & comfort are still there, but they fall apart faster than I can order new ones.

Hopefully Shimano can inject some quality back into this brand.

[sc53]

My quick glance at the title of this thread informed me that Shino had just bought Pearl Izumi--I couldn't believe he had sold that many pots.

[steelrider]

Now I have even more reason to wear wool.

[DarrenCT]

My quick glance at the title of this thread informed me that Shino had just bought Pearl Izumi--I couldn't believe he had sold that many pots.

maybe if he sold "pot", not "pots" atmo

[pdxmech13]

Should be a great move for both parties involved. Pearl deserves some stabilitly....and is this full circle now that they are owned by Japenese company ?