Columbia Sportswear 2000 Annual Report Download - page 9

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Another exciting development in 2000 was the completion of the Company’s first
acquisition. In September 2000 we purchased the Sorel trademark rights, associated
brand names and other related intellectual property rights for approximately $8 million
in cash. The Sorel name is highly regarded by retailers and consumers throughout the world, and
Sorel’s 40-year-old reputation as a quality, value-oriented brand is a superb fit with Columbia’s
footwear business.
This acquisition will enable us to leverage our competitive advantages in sourcing and allows us to
explore new channels of retail distribution without compromising the Columbia Sportswear brand.
It’s an excellent way to enhance the growth of our business in the rugged, cold weather boot market.
While the management of the brand will be integrated into Columbia’s existing operations, Sorel will
be marketed as a separate footwear brand. A collection of key Sorel styles will be available at retail in
Fall 2001.
We’ve come a long way from that first fishing vest that Gert sewed at her dining room table. A lot has
happened to outdoor apparel and footwear in the 63 years that we have been in business, and we
continually seek to pioneer new designs and technology.
For example, in Fall 2000 we debuted our most technical line of outerwear yet, our Titanium Alloy™
group. Designed using state-of-the-art fabrics and features, this group provides enhanced comfort,
ergonomic fit and superior durability for extreme activities like ice climbing or mountaineering. This
group also features our Omni-Tech™technology. Our Omni-Tech Tri-Ply Stretch Twill was engineered
to stretch with the wearer, and provides exceptional mobility in critical areas of the garment.
We also launched our Rugged Comfort Series™collection of footwear in Fall 2000 which incorporates
Columbia’s exclusive four-layer Quadensity™comfort system. The collection combines the
performance and comfort of an athletic shoe with the handsome styling features of full-grain
leather uppers.
Columbia Sportswear was recognized for this dedication to new products and technology when we
were named the top outdoor manufacturer for 2000 in the category of innovation in a study
conducted by Sporting Goods Business, a very prestigious industry trade publication.