We’ve known of the deal for some time now, but it appears as though all of the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted. Today, I received note from my favorite contact at Cobra, informing me of the official announcement of the merger. Welcome to the golf scene, Cobra-Puma Golf!
The purchase of Cobra Golf by PUMA AG means that two very powerful brands will be working together to produce not only killer equipment, but stylish and effective apparel as well. Both brands will continue to be developed separately… But folks from either side will collaborate when necessary to no doubt share in the knowledge and wealth found within each brand.
Honestly, I’m quite excited about this merger, and for all of the people at Cobra and Puma. I’ve been a long-time fan of both brands, and joining them together while retaining both brand identities is going to mean great things… I can just feel it.
Keep reading after the jump for the official press release.
INTRODUCING COBRA-PUMA GOLF
Powerful Brands Poised to be Golf’s Most Desirable Sportlifestyle Company
CARLSBAD, CA (May 5, 2010) – PUMA AG announces the purchase of Cobra Golf, and combination of the Cobra Golf and PUMA Golf brands to create a new company, COBRA-PUMA GOLF. The merger leverages PUMA Golf’s inventive footwear, apparel and accessories designs with Cobra Golf’s advanced equipment, innovation and superior performance, positioning COBRA-PUMA GOLF as an inclusive company for golfers of all abilities, attitudes and styles.
The two brands will continue to be developed separately, while maximizing resources and collaborating on many areas, including operations, research, design and marketing. The COBRA-PUMA GOLF brand identity is the combination of the Cobra Golf and PUMA Golf logos.
“We are thrilled and energized by the opportunities that lie ahead for our two brands, particularly our ability to work together and collaborate,” says Bob Philion, President of COBRA-PUMA GOLF. “This new entity, COBRA-PUMA GOLF, will stand for innovation, advanced design and performance with an edge. Together, we will be able to further our goal to become golf’s most desirable sportlifestyle company.”
COBRA-PUMA GOLF will operate in Carlsbad, Calif., near San Diego where Cobra Golf has been based since being founded in 1973. Philion – who launched PUMA Golf in 2006 – will lead COBRA-PUMA GOLF, overseeing and managing all aspects of the company’s global presence, including the expansion and growth of the business. Industry veteran Brian Zender, formerly GM of Cobra Golf, is now Senior Vice President and General Manager of COBRA-PUMA GOLF and will continue overseeing all Cobra Golf activities and be heavily involved in the sales efforts of both brands. The same group of talented engineers who designed Cobra Golf’s award-winning 2010 products will remain in Carlsbad, while PUMA Golf will maintain its apparel and footwear design team in Boston.
Together, COBRA-PUMA GOLF has a strong and globally diverse on-course portfolio of products and athletes. Cobra Golf is represented by 2010 Honda Classic winner Camilo Villegas, 2010 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Champion Ian Poulter, and long-hitter J.B. Holmes. In addition, Cobra Golf offers a strong line-up of high-performance clubs, including the S2 family of drivers, fairways and irons, along with the recently introduced Baffler Rail Hybrid. Next month, Cobra Golf will add the Baffler Rail Fairway to this best-selling Baffler family. PUMA Golf is represented by hot PGA Tour rookie Rickie Fowler; Swedish sensation and two-time LPGA winner – including the 2009 LPGA Championship winner, Anna Nordquivst; the always fashionable Swedish golfer and three-time European tour winner, Johan Edfors; and in Asia, PUMA Golf is represented by Hideto Tanihara, Japanese Golf Tour superstar and winner of eight professional tournaments as well as young Japanese Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) ingénue, winner of the 2008 money list for the JLPGA and 11-time JLPGA tournament winner, Miho Koga. This month, PUMA Golf launches its new Special Edition collection of footwear, featuring Smart Quill technology, technical apparel and accessories that emphasize ultimate performance fused with playful colors and tones, and intricate design details. PUMA Golf will also host a series of fun, interactive consumer events where golfers can try their hand at “sneaker customization.” By choosing from a host of vibrant spring colors for each of the components of their Special Edition golf shoes, such as laces, shoe lining, the side formstripe, PUMA consumers will be able to customize their own look to their performance PUMA golf shoes, just like PUMA Golf professional athletes get to do. Key PUMA Golf athletes will be on-site to host the events and engage consumers.
The formation of the new company also brings fresh employment opportunities. COBRA-PUMA GOLF will expand its sales force with dedicated representatives to sell the company’s full portfolio of Cobra Golf equipment and PUMA Golf footwear, apparel and accessories worldwide. Beginning in September 2010 in major golf markets, the combined sales force will sell COBRA-PUMA GOLF products for the Spring 2011 season.
As COBRA-PUMA GOLF continues to evolve and grow, more details will be released as to future consumer and trade events, activities and marketing efforts. Cobra Golf customer service matters — including warranty, repairs, orders and other topics — will be managed by Acushnet on behalf of COBRA-PUMA GOLF through August, and can be directed to 800-917-3300. PUMA Golf customer service inquires can be directed to 877-830-3311.
For more information about COBRA-PUMA GOLF products and collections, visit golf.puma.com and cobragolf.com.
