Bauer Hockey Buys Mission-ITECH

Toronto (ots/PRNewswire) -

Bauer Hockey today announced it has purchased Mission-ITECH
Hockey, a leader in goal equipment, protective apparel and facial
protection.

The purchase strengthens Bauer's overall position in the
marketplace and is part of the overall growth and investment strategy
of Bauer's management team and new ownership group, consisting of
Kohlberg & Company and Montreal businessman W. Graeme Roustan.

"The combination of innovation and expertise that is at the core
of both of these leading organizations provides us with a unique
opportunity in the highly competitive hockey industry," said Kevin
Davis, CEO & President, Bauer Hockey. "Mission-ITECH has made its
mark on the industry with cutting-edge product innovations, and the
addition of Mission-ITECH's complementary categories such as goal
equipment, protective apparel and facial protection to Bauer's core
strengths will allow us to further advance the performance of hockey
players all over the world."

"Consolidation is essential for the long-term success of the
overall hockey industry," said Mike Whan, CEO, Mission-ITECH.
"Mission-ITECH and Bauer Hockey are both dedicated to improving the
game and creating a better experience for all players. That combined
commitment will only help increase the overall health of the industry
and the sport itself."

Bauer Hockey Corp., the Canadian entity of Bauer Hockey, based in
Mississauga, Ontario and St. Jerome, Quebec, will acquire
Mission-ITECH's Canadian operations. Mission-ITECH's facility in
Kirkland, Quebec and its distribution facility in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
will remain open until May 31, 2009. Approximately 140 non-union
employees will be impacted by the multi-phased closure of both
facilities.

To minimize the impact of the acquisition, Bauer Hockey will
provide affected Mission-ITECH employees financial assistance,
applicable benefit packages and outplacement counseling.

Bauer Hockey continues to employ nearly 300 Canadian employees at
its Research, Design & Development center in St. Jerome, Quebec and
its Canadian headquarters and distribution center located in
Mississauga, Ontario. More than half of all Bauer Hockey's global
employees are based in Canada.

About Bauer Hockey

Bauer Hockey is the world's most recognized designer, marketer
and manufacturer of hockey equipment and currently operates under the
Nike Bauer Hockey name. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer
developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever
changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer has continued to
develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the
widely successful Supreme and Vapor lines of products.

ots Originaltext: Bauer Hockey
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Steve Jones, +1-603-430-2111, ext. 2313, Steven.jones@nikebauer.com