Xtep, Wolverine enter JV to market performance brands

Pursuant to the terms of the JV Agreements, the total initial funding contribution from each of Xtep and Wolverine to the Joint Venture shall be approximately RMB155 million. The JV will introduce the Merrell and Saucony brands and their internationally acclaimed running and outdoor footwear, apparel and accessories products in the regions tapping Xtep’s strong retail network and relationship with shopping mall operators. The JV will open new stores with majority to be in the shopping malls of higher tier cities in Mainland China, coupled with the increasing presence in Hong Kong and Macau. A two-pronged approach will be adopted in product offerings in the stores, with high-end signature styles available as well as styles exclusively designed and manufactured according to the Chinese fits and tastes, Xtep said in a press release.

"Over the years, Xtep has been committed to providing professional and fashionable sports products to consumers in its mission to become a multi-brand portfolio group capable of satisfying different customers’ needs. We are delighted to have Wolverine, a well-known company with a global portfolio of premium brands, as our partner in working shoulder-to-shoulder to seize the numerous business opportunities in the Regions. Having access to the resources and strengths of Xtep and Wolverine, the Joint Venture will be able to help us reach more sophisticated customers and the Merrell and Saucony brands to appeal to consumers in this part of the world drawn to sports and outdoor activities. We see the strong synergies created between the two parties and strongly believe the cooperation will create a win-win situation to both Xtep and Wolverine," Ding Shui Po, chairman and chief executive officer of Xtep International Holdings Limited, said.

With over a century-long history, Wolverine is a world-leading footwear company owning several well-known outdoor, sportswear and lifestyle brands. Among all the brands, Merrell is one of the most popular global outdoor lifestyle brands and is appreciated for its high quality and cutting-edge technology. Standing out in design, quality, durability, versatility and comfort, Merrell prides itself on creating products that make outdoor activities perfect to enjoy. As for Saucony, it is among the top four most well-known running shoe brands in the world with products of professional quality and employing advanced technologies. It targets both elite and casual runners with award-winning product design, innovation and performance-enhancing technology. Its products focus on meeting the technical needs of runners, while providing them with maximum comfort and protection, leading the market in product innovation.

The JV will bring the Merrell and Saucony brands and product offerings that are complementary to Xtep’s brand positioning and product portfolio, which will further elevate Xtep from a single brand to a multi-brand portfolio group capable of addressing to the needs of the more sophisticated Chinese clientele. The Merrell and Saucony Brands offer world-class designs and innovative use of technologies, while Xtep owns its inherent edge in supply chain management from procurement, design and development, production to marketing and distribution. The Joint Venture will enable Xtep and the Merrell and Saucony brands to leverage each other’s strength in fostering product innovation and a diversified product offering catering to different customer needs. The Joint Venture will also be benefited from the expanded scale of supply chain. Meanwhile, Merrell and Saucony brands are able to tap Xtep’s operational and marketing resources to raise their brand awareness in the Regions effectively.

"Wolverine is extremely pleased to partner with Xtep for two of our major brands – Merrell and Saucony – to accelerate growth in the vital markets of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. We have watched the enormous growth of sportswear in the Regions and the strategic development potential it represents. With Xtep’s solid presence and regional expertise, and Wolverine’s technical prowess and famous brands, the Joint Venture has a solid foundation to propel the Merrell and Saucony brands forward in the booming running and outdoor sectors. The Joint Venture will benefit from both partner’s operational strength in the areas of marketing, product development and distribution; these synergies will ultimately boost Merrell and Saucony’s market share in the Regions," Blake W Krueger, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., said. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India