Columbia Sportswear Company and Italian Subsidiary OutDry Technologies S.r.l. File Complaint with European Union Commission Against W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Alleging Violations of European Union Competition Laws
-- Welcomes News of U.S. Federal Trade Commission Investigation --
PORTLAND, Ore. & BUSTO ARSIZIO, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Columbia Sportswear Company (NASDAQ:COLM), a leading innovator in the
global outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment industries,
today announced that the Company and its Italian subsidiary, OutDry
Technologies S.r.l., have filed a complaint with the Commission of the
European Union against W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., alleging that W.
L. Gore & Associates has violated European Union competition laws by
abusing its dominant position in the market for waterproof breathable
membranes for footwear and gloves.
Columbia and OutDry Technologies also welcomed the recent public news
that the United States Federal Trade Commission has issued a subpoena to
W. L. Gore in connection with its own investigation into whether Gore
has "engaged in unfair methods of competition ‘by contracts,
exclusionary practices, or other conduct related to waterproof or
waterproof and breathable membranes or technologies and related
products.'"
"Columbia and OutDry Technologies have long been concerned that W. L.
Gore & Associates' commercial practices systematically prevent
consumers, brand owners and manufacturers from gaining access to
competing product innovations in waterproof breathable footwear and
gloves. We believe W. L. Gore's exclusionary conduct has deprived
outdoor enthusiasts across the European Union, the United States and
other regions throughout the world from learning about, experiencing and
benefiting from new and innovative products," said Peter Bragdon,
Columbia's Senior Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs.
About Columbia Sportswear Company
Columbia Sportswear Company is a leading innovator in the global outdoor
apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment markets. Founded in 1938 in
Portland, Oregon, Columbia products are sold in more than 100 countries
and have earned an international reputation for innovation, quality and
performance. Columbia products feature innovative technologies and
designs that protect outdoor enthusiasts from the elements, increase
comfort, and make outdoor activities more enjoyable. In addition to the
Columbia® brand, Columbia Sportswear Company also owns outdoor brands
Mountain Hardwear®, Sorel®, and Montrail®. To learn more, please visit
the company's websites at www.columbia.com,
www.mountainhardwear.com,
www.sorel.com,
and www.montrail.com.
About OutDry Technologies:
With a great passion for innovation in membrane lamination technology,
OutDry is dedicated to making products dryer, lighter and more
comfortable for all outdoor enthusiasts. The company is based in the
North of Italy with an operations branch in China. OutDry was acquired
by Columbia Sportswear Company in September 2010. For more information,
visit www.outdry.com.
Media:
Columbia Sportswear Public Relations
Scott Trepanier,
503-985-4183
strepanier@columbia.com
or
Investors:
Columbia
Sportswear Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Ron
Parham, 503-985-4584
rparham@columbia.com
Source: Columbia Sportswear Company
News Provided by Acquire Media
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