K2 Acquires Line and Karhu

Written by Dan Morgan

K2 Sports has announced the aquisition of Line and Karhu from Trak Sports. Press release to follow:

K2 Sports Acquires Karhu and LINE Ski Businesses from Trak Sports VASHON ISLAND, Wash. (June 1, 2006) – K2 Sports, one of America’s leading manufacturers of skis, snowboards and outdoor recreational products, today announced the company acquired the LINE ski business and the exclusive rights to the Karhu North American Nordic and Telemark brand from Burlington, Vermont-based Trak Sports USA, Inc. The majority of Karhu and LINE’s operations will relocate to the K2 Sports headquarters on Vashon Island, Wash., this summer. The acquisition further strengthens K2’s position as North America’s leading ski manufacturer. The company already markets top-selling K2 alpine and tele skis, and Madshus Nordic ski brands and distributes products in approximately 44 countries.
LINE Skis, founded by Jason Levinthal in 1995, helped pioneer the surging freestyle and freeride skiing movement. Their innovative twin tip and super fat big mountain skis are preferred by the new generation of skiers pushing the limits of the sport. LINE’s progressive designs and credibility with younger riders complements K2’s already strong presence in the hot freeskiing market.

“Karhu and LINE are a perfect match for K2,” said Anthony De Rocco, K2 Sports’ Global Marketing Vice President. “The relationship is ideal because it allows Karhu and LINE to continue to focus on their core competencies in design innovation while benefiting from K2’s supply chain efficiencies, engineering resources and manufacturing strengths. In addition, this acquisition allows us to continue our successful shelf space strategy with multiple brands. This acquisition is a big plus for K2, Karhu, LINE and our retail partners and customers around the world.”