Dunlop Slazenger

Dunlop Slazenger was a sports equipment manufacturing company formed by BTR plc by consolidating the various sports brands acquired as part their take-over of Dunlop Holdings in 1985.[1] The company is most recognised for its involvement in golf, tennis, squash and badminton through the Dunlop, Slazenger, Maxfli and Carlton brands.

In 1996 the company was sold in a management buyout backed by private equity firm Cinven.[2] This arrangement did not have a successful existence, and Dunlop Slazenger soon found itself being run by the banks, led by The Royal Bank of Scotland.[3] Under the banks management, TaylorMade-adidas Golf took up their option to purchase the Maxfli golf brand in 2004, following a previous licensing arrangement,[4] and the rights to Slazenger Golf in North America were sold to the Slazenger Golf Products Company.[5]

The remainder of Dunlop Slazenger was eventually sold to Sports World International in 2004, since when the various brands have been licensed freely.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Dunlop and BTR Reach an Accord". NY Times. March 9, 1985. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  2. ↑ "British Investment Firm To Buy BTR Sports Unit". NY Times. December 20, 1995. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  3. ↑ Wootliff, Benjamin (February 10, 2001). "Cinven concedes defeat on Dunlop". London: The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  4. ↑ Waples, John (January 5, 2003). "Dunlop back on form after golf sale". London: The Times. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  5. ↑ "Dunlop Sells North American Brand Rights of Slazenger Golf Business to Cleveland-based Company". AllBusiness.com. November 14, 2002. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  6. ↑ Osborne, Alistair (February 5, 2004). "Game, set and match for Dunlop Slazenger". London: The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-09-23.