Takeaway: Price seems a bit rich, but we have to ask if Columbia Sportswear could enter this category on its own.

 Hedgeye Retail: Columbia Sportswear Acquisition Priced High, But May Expand Offerings | $COLM - prana vendorhome

Columbia Sportswear Company Completes Acquisition of prAna Lifestyle Apparel Brand

  • "Columbia Sportswear Company...today announced that at midnight, May 30, 2014 it successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of prAna Living LLC for a purchase price of $190 million in cash, subject to customary post-close working capital adjustments."
     
  • "Purchase price of $190 million, subject to customary post-close working capital adjustments, equates to approximately 13 times prAna's projected 2014 EBITDA."
     
  • "PrAna will remain headquartered in Carlsbad, California as a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company and will continue to be led by current CEO Scott Kerslake, who will report directly to Columbia president and CEO Tim Boyle."
     

Hedgeye Retail: Columbia Sportswear Acquisition Priced High, But May Expand Offerings | $COLM - chart3 6 3

Takeaway From Hedgeye’s Brian McGough:

Price seems a bit rich, but we have to ask if Columbia Sportswear could enter this category on its own. We think the answer to that question is no. PrAna helps Columbia Sportswear diversify its cold weather offering and gives it instant exposure to the women's yoga market. Overall, it’s a good acquisition for Columbia Sportswear getting a brand with solid distribution but limited awareness.

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Editor's Note: This is a complimentary research excerpt from Hedgeye Retail sector head Brian McGough. Follow Brian on Twitter @HedgeyeRetail

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