Austin, TX – April 26, 2011 – Golfsmith International, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOLF) today announced plans to continue expanding its proprietary brands globally by forming a new partnership for the MacGregor brand in Europe with Manchester based Worldwide Golf Brands (WWGB). This new agreement with WWGB is the next step in Golfsmith’s global strategy aimed at forming partnerships around the world to develop, manage and market Golfsmith’s proprietary brands. Last month, Golfsmith announced a similar initiative for the MacGregor brand in Australia and New Zealand.
The new partnership allows the nation’s largest specialty golf retailer to expand the MacGregor brand in Europe and furthermore reinvest those revenues back into its core U.S. business where the company focuses its efforts and continues to gain momentum and market share. “We are excited about this new partnership with WWGB,” said Marty Hanaka, Golfsmith’s President and CEO. “WWGB has an established presence and extensive distribution and sales network throughout Europe so their role will be integral in growing market share for the MacGregor brand and positioning this quality equipment back in the bags of golfers across Europe.”
The five year agreement gives WWGB the ability to distribute MacGregor equipment throughout a number of retail channels in Europe. Under this new alliance, WWGB will continue to utilize the expertise of Golfsmith’s Europe clubmaking operation in the United Kingdom as the exclusive producer of MacGregor custom clubs.
“We are delighted to partner with Golfsmith and to add the MacGregor brand into our Worldwide Golf Brands portfolio,” said Graeme Stevens, Managing Director of Manchester-based Worldwide Golf Brands (WWGB). “Few brands can rival the pedigree of MacGregor within the golf industry. We have some exciting plans led by innovative new products aimed to re-connect with the many MacGregor fans in the UK and across Europe.”
About Golfsmith
Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOLF), is a 43-year-old specialty retailer of golf and tennis equipment, apparel and accessories. The company operates as an integrated multi-channel retailer, offering its customers the convenience of shopping in its 76 stores across the United States, through its web site atgolfsmith.com and from its assortment of catalogs. Golfsmith offers an extensive product selection that features premier branded merchandise, as well as its proprietary products, clubmaking components and pre-owned clubs. Visit www.Golfsmith.com.
About Worldwide Golf brands (WWGB)
WWGB is one of the leading privately-owned golf businesses in Europe. Operating out of custom-built offices in Manchester, England, WWGB was formed in 2009 when PGA Professional and Owner of UK Golf Services, Graeme Stevens, joined forces with Mike Basso from Pan World Brands to create the benchmark golf wholesale business.
With an extensive distribution and global sales network, WWGB command a strong position within the European market as owners of the owners of Ram Golf equipment brand and Stuburt, the fastest growing footwear and apparel brand, worldwide. www.ramgolf.co.uk www.stuburt.com For further information on the latest MacGregor product range or to find out how to become a stockist, please contact Worldwide Golf brands Sales Director, Jay Bavington on +44 (0)161 886 4010 or e-mail jbavington@wwgb.uk.com.
Contact:
Bob Sameski, Golfsmith, 512-821-4990 robert.sameski@golfsmith.com
Lynn Luczkowski, L2 Communications (860) 313-1426 or Lynn@L2comm.biz
