http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/...out-Umbro-and-Cole-Haan-as-buyers-sought.html http://www.cnbc.com/id/47652495/Nike_Taps_Goldman_for_Cole_Haan_Umbro_Sale I wonder if Diadora or even, gasp, Under Armour would be interested in this. This would be a big opportunity for Umbro to come out of the shadow of both Nike and Adidas.
I wonder why they didn't close the Umbro brand out, and make the teams that use Umbro be Nike teams? Because if they are selling - the brand (Umbro) must not be doing well.
This is potentially a massive chance for Umbro to push on and take on the bigger brands. They have nice gear but it's still way behind Nike, Adidas and even Puma. I like Umbro though, they're certainly better than a lot of other mid table brands in my opinion. Nike were probably happy to sell the brand, after they took over all the big clubs from Umbro... they done it with Man Utd, Man City and Celtic.
Could this be why they're selling Umbro? http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/threads_and_laces/2012/08/report-nike-to-replace-umbro-as.html http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/08/28/england-to-ditch-umbro-for-nike_n_1835363.html?ir=UK+Sport I would expect some controversy over this.
Could be. All I know is that Nike really wanted the England contract and it looks like they got it! http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2012/09/04/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Nike.aspx
They've now found a buyer for Umbro: http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/threads_and_laces/2012/10/nike-to-sell-umbro-to-iconix-for-225m.html
I'm surprised it sold so high ($225m), it's considered to be a bargain basement brand in the UK. It's saving grace was the sports manufacturer deals but peope would sooner have kits by Nike or Adidas. The likes of Umbro and Slazenger are relics.
Umbro have been making some excellent shirts in recent years but it's true that as a brand it really doesn't compare to some of the big global players. It will be interesting to see how it develops under new owners but having lost some of it's most important clients (England and Manchester City).