ERSA Pro Magazine Issue 7 - 2017 rt7-2017 - web | Page 18

18
Industry News
Lacoste acquires Tecnifi bre
Lacoste has agreed to acquire French racquet and string manufacturer Tecnifi bre.
The purchase price was undisclosed. Lacoste will acquire an 80 percent stake and the deal is
expected to close in October.
Tecnifi bre is best known for its its strings, and has started gaining traction with its racquets and ac-
cessories, such as its growing line of tennis bags, apparel, and balls.
“We are pleased to announce the arrival of the French brand Tecnifi bre into our group,” said Thi-
erry Guibert, CEO of Lacoste. Tecnifi bre is an authentic specialist in the fi eld of tennis with recog-
nized know-how.”
The acquisition follows Lacoste’s signing of Novak Djokovic to a long-term deal.
Tecnifi bre off ers a range of strings, rackets and accessories for tennis, squash and padel, as well
as balls in partnership with Bridgestone. Tecnifi bre has a large presence in France through a
specialized distribution network and is now developing its business internationally, particularly in
Europe and the United States.
“This ambitious project will make it possible to make use of valuable synergies for both compa-
nies: the acceleration of international development for Tecnifi bre and the development of technical
products under the Lacoste brand,” said Guibert.
Kirschbaum Gut Feeling Test Winner
Kirschbaum Strings won the string test with Tennis Magazine in Germany.
The string
GUT FEELING implies a feeling simular to natural gut. The string is a very
soft multifi lament which is very close to a gut feeling.
The string tested was 1.25mm 17 gauge in natural color.
GUT FEELING got the highest notes in Power, Feel, Comfort and Control.
This string also had the longest durability for 17 gauge multifi lament .
Recommended for players of all levels with a note: with closed stringing
pattern (18x20).
#NextGenWilson
Andrey Rublev , one of the top rising ATP players won his
fi rst ATP tournament in Umag, Croatia this year. He also is the
second jungest US Open quarter fi nalist, beating number 9
Grigor Dimitrov and number 14 David Goffi n on the way.
His ranking climbed to number 37 in the ATP Ranking.
www.wilson.com