BILLABONG SELLS SECTOR 9 IN $12 MILLION DEAL

Australia-based surf lifestyle company Billabong International Limited has entered into an agreement to sell its skate brand Sector 9 for $12 million to an affiliate of Bravo Sports, a portfolio company of Transom Capital Group.

“Our priority as a company has been lifting the performance of our three biggest global brands in Billabong, RVCA and Element, while simplifying the business wherever possible,” said Neil Fiske, CEO of Billabong. “This transaction is part of that simplification and is consistent with our stated strategy.”

“Sector 9 is a unique brand in the specialty segment of longboard skate hardware,” added Fiske. “We are confident the brand will continue to meet the needs of its customers under its new owners.”

California-based Bravo Sports has a number of skate-focused brands within its existing portfolio including Pro Tec, Kryptonics, Ten-Eighty and Maple.

The group expects the sale of Sector 9 to have minimal impact on overall group EBITDA in FY17.

Billabong’s financial advisor in the transaction was Threadstone Advisors and its external legal advisor was Latham & Watkins LLP.