Black Diamond and Franklin

Black Diamond Equipment integrated Franklin Climbing Equipment into the Black Diamond brand. With the integration, Black Diamond feels it can more efficiently build, develop and market specific, high-end bouldering gear. The shift will allow Black Diamond to hone its focus and efforts on fostering a complete climbing brand.

Black Diamond are making some big changes these days - hopefully it will increase their value.

BentGear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Black Diamond and Scarpa Go There Seperate Ways

Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. will end its longtime working relationship with Scarpa at the end of 2005. Peter Metcalf, CEO, Black Diamond, said, "Over the past 18 years, Black Diamond together with Scarpa have brought true innovation to the market and as a result have dramatically evolved the sports we serve. We are immensely proud of that. At the same time, the marketplace is evolving, and both BD and Scarpa realize the partnership that led to our past success is not the best path for the future. Thus, we agreed to terminate amicably."

Andrea Parisotto, the new president of Scarpa North America, commented, "We believe in the North American market and hope to better recognize and serve their specific demands. Scarpa will open Scarpa North America Inc. in Boulder, CO, effective immediately. Chris Clark has been chosen as sales and marketing manager.

Maybe now Scarpa can produce the line they want in the hiking market as well as they do in Europe.

BentGear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Mt. Timpanogos - CEO Geared for Adventure

We like to say at BentGear we are geared for most adventures, true is the case when CEO Sid Ewing and some buddies went to hike Mt. Timpanogos on the July 4th weekend. Usually this time of year you can summit the 12,000ft peak with a few hint's of snow at the top. Not this year, we have had so much snow that Sid and company spent most of the time strapping crampons and ice axe, however true to the BentGear spirit they summited.

Where's the lake ? Feeling the pain!

Quiksilver Acquires Canadian Distributor For DC Shoes

Quiksilver, Inc. announced it has purchased the Canadian distributor of DC Shoes for approximately $7.0 in cash.

Under terms of the agreement, Quiksilver will acquire Centre Skateboard Distribution, Ltd., which holds the rights to distribute DC Shoes in Canada, as well as the various assets associated with that business. The Company also announced that the personnel and infrastructure of CSD Ltd. will support its Quiksilver and Roxy operation in Canada.

Are DC - Roxy skis on the way, I think not.

BentGear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

London

Like everyone else yesterday there was shock and horror but more so as I spend 6 worried hours calling my family in England, finally getting through and in typical English spirit my brother complaining about having to walk home for 4/5 hours and then walking another 2 hours to find a friend.

For my first love, my country England keep up the English spirit.

Cheers,

Sharon Page
BentGear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Ultra-Lite Backpacking Gurus to Lead Hike/Clinic at Continental Divide Trail Fest

As part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Continental Divide Trail, GoLite founders Demetri "Coup" and Kim Coupounas as well Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear and Ryan Jordan, will lead a hike and clinic of Grays Peak, beginning at 7am on Saturday, July 16th from the Keystone Montezuma parking area in Keystone, Colo.

During and after the hike, the four will be offering hands-on tips and techniques on ultra-lite backpacking, and the clinic will conclude with gear give-aways and Q+A. "The Continental Divide Trail is one of our nation's treasures, and all four of us are honored to be able to reach out to backpackers at the festival while contributing to the Continental Divide Trail Association's 10th anniversary celebration," said Coup.

As I remember Gray's Peak, take your snowshoes still plenty of snow up there.

BentGear.com
"Geared for Adventure"