United Sports Brands buys Pearl Izumi USA from Shimano

United Sports Brands (USB) has announced the acquisition of Pearl Izumi USA from Shimano.

The manufacturer and retailer of cycling apparel and accessories has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Shimano’s U.S. operations since 2008.

Pearl Izumi will join USB’s portfolio of protective and performance sports equipment

Under Shimano’s stewardship the brand realized significant US and international growth, driven by its core road cycling apparel category and by emerging categories such as mountain bike, casual apparel, and footwear. In addition, Pearl Izumi has also become a leader in corporate social responsibility, with 90% of products now made from sustainable materials and a goal to become carbon-neutral by 2025.

As part of the USB platform, the brand will be extremely well positioned to capitalize on these tailwinds, continuing to build upon an attractive USA based market position, and will operate with the support of Shimano for a transition period to meet the needs of retailers and maintain the business as planned.

Nolan Moser, Vice President, Bicycle Division from Shimano North America Bicycle, Inc comments: “Shimano has worked hard to support and build up the Pearl Izumi brand for our retailers and the consumer alike. We believe that United Sports Brands will be able to further this growth and we are committed to supporting our retail partners throughout the transition to ensure continued success at all levels.”

“We are very pleased to welcome Pearl Izumi into the United Sports Brands family,” said USB’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Magerman. “An iconic, authentic, and much loved brand that is strongly aligned with our current portfolio of brands at USB, their culture of driving innovation and best-in-class product development—always with a “consumer-first” mindset—is consistent with our strategy at USB.”

“We intend to continue that product innovation and leadership under our stewardship. The addition of Pearl Izumi, along with our running apparel and accessory company, Nathan, makes us a formidable player in the outdoor space.”

“We see great opportunity for continued organic growth and expansion in this segment of the market,” added Magerman.

Pearl Izumi remains committed to partnering with leading retailers in North America, including independent bike dealers and national outdoor retailers, to ensure that the brand is available wherever cycling consumers prefer to shop.

Photo credit: Pearl Izumi USA