Shimano American Buys Pearl iZumi for $70M

[Kid A]

Vancouver, Wash.-based Nautilus Inc. announced today that it is selling its Pearl iZumi apparel line to Irvine-based Shimano American Corp., a division of Japanese cycling and fishing equipment maker Shimano Inc.

Shimano American makes electronic gear shifters for bikes, along with other bike parts and accessories like specialized biking shoes.

Shimano will pay $65.3 million in cash for Colorado-based Pearl iZumi, which Nautilus acquired in 2005 for $74 million. Shimano will assume $4.2 million in long-term debt from the buy. The deal is expected to close by the end of March.

Pearl iZumi employs some 130 workers. It makes clothing and accessories for biking, running, and other outdoor sports.

[dubjay]

I wonder if this is a move to bring their shoe manufacturing "in-house"? I'm not sure where Shimano makes their shoes now. Hmmmmm....

[TCB]

Does this mean all 08 Pearl iZumi Jerseys will only work with XT XTR integrated Brake and Shifter pods.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by TCB

Does this mean all 08 Pearl iZumi Jerseys will only work with XT XTR integrated Brake and Shifter pods.

Only when using the latest interface device from Pearl Izumi (gloves). No other interface device will work. Additionally, pre-2008 models are not compatible. Normal rise derailleurs require the A-type device, and the retard rise derailleurs require the B type. Do not mix up these units or poor braking or shifting will occur.

Refer to pedal/shoe interface devices for more compatibility charts.

[Jordansrealm]

Lee, when Honda buys Shimano let us know so you can score us all deals

[katonk]

The Fat Cyclist's response to this is required reading.

http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/02/19...f-pearl-izumi/

[Collette]

Note to Shimano:

Just leave the excellent PI shoes alone please!

[sdyeti]

Wow...I struck out twice with PI shoes...fell apart (1 pair) in a few months, and too dang narrow.

Originally Posted by Collette

Note to Shimano:

Just leave the excellent PI shoes alone please!

[Jman]

Alivio: The Alivio clothing line will be made of burlap bags that have been specially treated to combust in sunlight and dissolve in water.

That piece at FatCyclist cracked me up, especialy the above quote!

[Man blong Gaua]

OMG, the fat cyclist almost brought on tear sized laughter. We need more good fake news in this world!

[SAR_boats]

Damn, why did Sh!tmano have to go and screw up a great product?

I guess we can add Pearl Izumi to the ever growing list of "used to be a great product but are now just a name" just like:

GT
Schwinn
Fox
Iron Horse
K2

etc etc etc

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by sdyeti

Wow...I struck out twice with PI shoes...fell apart (1 pair) in a few months, and too dang narrow.

Do you still have those shoes? You know they have a lifetime satisfaction guarantee right? I would send them in before any policy changes are made after the acquisition.

I sent in a pair of beat up shoes that had a broken strap and back came a brand new pair (newer model even).

Even if they're too small for you, at least get a new pair and sell/give to someone else.