Company Now Owns Leading Golf Bag Brands
SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. – As part of its continuing effort to become the leading supplier of accessory products and value-added services to the golf industry, ForeFront Holdings (OTCBB: FOFH), formerly Datrek Miller International, has purchased Burton Golf, announced Mike Hedge, president and chief executive officer.
Burton Golf, based in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., manufactures and markets high quality golf bags and accessories and is a leading supplier of premium golf bags to the "on course" distribution channel which services golf pro shops throughout North America and internationally. In 2005, Burton had over $10 million in annual sales.
The acquisition of Burton Golf is part of ForeFront’s long-term strategy to be the leading supplier of all golf products and accessories, except hard goods equipment, to the golf industry. "Our objective is to build, buy, partner or license leading golf accessory brands as a product portfolio," added Hedge. "We believe that there is a tremendous opportunity for a company to become the dominant supplier in the accessory category within the golf industry. With Burton, we now have another piece of the puzzle to service our customers as a ‘one-stop-shop’ supplier," said Hedge.
"This opportunity best positions the Burton brand for future growth," said Don Ochsenreiter, Burton’s president. "Burton is extremely excited to be a part of ForeFront’s growth strategy and appreciate its willingness to support our current marketing and product development initiatives. In addition, Burton Golf is proud to go to market under the ForeFront umbrella with a collection of the best brands in the golf accessory market."
ForeFront Holdings now owns the Burton, Datrek and Miller Golf brands. The company also has licensing and distribution agreements with the NCAA, NFL/Wilson Sporting Goods, PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, LPGA, Nationwide Tour, Suunto, Top of the World Headwear and Rob Akins Golf.
ForeFront views the addition of Burton as a complement to its existing Datrek collection of golf bags. "We now have the leading on-course and off-course golf bag companies working together," said Hedge. "Stanford Financial Group, an affiliate of our largest shareholder and 2007 title sponsor of the Stanford St. Jude Championship on the PGA TOUR, gives us a tremendous advantage in the marketplace. Their financial support has allowed us to build our sales organization and operational infrastructure while aggressively pursuing acquisition opportunities like Burton. With their backing, we expect to continue to be a proactive acquirer in the market."
About ForeFront
ForeFront is a leading supplier of accessory products and value-added services to the golf industry. For over 50 years, the company has had a history and reputation for designing, manufacturing, marketing, and supplying premium golf accessories including golf bags, travel covers, bag tags, head covers, towels, luggage and a wide assortment of gifts and awards. ForeFront services over 8,000 points of sale through multiple distribution channels with a wide selection of products and value-added services representing multiple brands within the golf industry. More information and a full product catalog can be found at www.forefrontgolf.com.
About Burton
Since 1907 when T.C. Burton began crafting the finest horse collars and harnesses, Burton Golf has become synonymous with quality craftsmanship in golf bags. Based in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Burton offers the broadest range of golf bags in the industry ranging from highly functional and innovative stand and cart bags to ultra-fashionable ladies bags to custom golf bags. Burton is the only company to carry a lifetime warranty on its golf bags. Burton Golf will be celebrating its centennial in 2007. For more information, visit www.burtongolf.com.
Contact:
Mike Alday
Alday Communications, Inc.
615-791-1535 ext. 22