Acushnet agrees Cobra sale

Acushnet Company has signed an agreement that will see Puma take over the inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contracts of Cobra Golf, subject to regulatory approval.

The completion of the sale is expected for the second quarter of this year and all business will continue to be conducted by Acushnet until then.

At that time, all Acushnet associated dedicated to the Cobra brand are expected to become employees of Puma, which could include players such as Camillio Villegas and Ian Poulter.

“With the sale of Cobra, we have the opportunity to devote all of our resources to the global growth of our industry-leading Titleist and FootJoy brands,” said Wally Uihlein, chairman and CEO of Acushnet Company.

“At the same time, Cobra is a strong brand with a heritage of innovation, and we wish the quality associates guiding the brand future success.

“Golfers and our valued partners will remain the key focus throughout the impending sale and we are confident that our customers will continue to be serviced to our high standards.”

Acushnet also announced that it will continue to provide services for an agreed period of time after the sale to help create a seamless transition.

“Through the acquisition of Cobra Golf, we reinforce Puma’s commitment to our sports performance business by strengthening our growing and successful Golf category,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman and chief executive of Puma.

“Cobra Golf has a history of innovative performance products fused with an edge and is therefore a perfect fit for Puma, reinforcing our overall mission of becoming the most desirable sport lifestyle company. With Cobra Golf, Puma will capitalize on the many opportunities in the Golf category and upside potential ahead of us.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered