BELL RACING EUROPE ACQUIRES BELL RACING USA Bell, F1, Formule 1, okruhy, závody

BELL RACING EUROPE ACQUIRES BELL RACING USA

BELL | 3.9.10 | Bezpečnost i v F1

Press release: Bell Racing Europe SA has reached an agreement with Bell Sports, Inc., a division of Easton Bell Sports, Inc. to extend Bell Europe’s exclusive license to manufacture, distribute and market auto racing helmets and accessories under the Bell Helmets trademark to the territories of North and South America. Easton Bell Sports will maintain operational responsibility for Bell Racing Company until September 30, 2010, at which time; Bell Racing Europe will assume marketing and distribution responsibility for auto racing helmets and related accessory products sold under the Bell brand in these territories. “Bell Racing Europe has been an outstanding partner in executing our European strategies and we feel this extended partnership will allow synergies that benefit both organizations while strengthening the Bell brand across multiple countries,” said Steve Bigelow, EVP & GM, Bell Sports, Inc. “The decision to expand our relationship with Bell Racing Europe is based on their experience in working with the FIA and our collaborative efforts to develop a new line of auto racing helmets for Bell Racing Company.”

Bell Racing Europe’s new organization, serving the North and South American markets, will operate under the name Bell Racing USA and will be based in the United States in Champaign-Urbana Illinois. Kyle Kietzmann, current General Manager of Bell Racing Company will join the new organization as President of Bell Racing USA and will be responsible for managing all aspects of the U.S. based operation including sales, marketing, product development, distribution and sponsorship. “Consolidating the Bell Racing Europe and Bell Racing USA operations under common ownership will create a worldwide organization with the mission of developing innovative, technologically superior auto racing helmets that maximize protection and improve driver performance,” said Kyle Kietzmann, President, Bell Racing USA. “We are passionate about the sport of auto racing and committed to enhancing Bell Racing’s position as the number one car racing helmet manufacturer in the world.”

“We view this as a very positive move” said Martine Kindt-Cohen, CEO Bell Racing Europe and CEO Bell Racing USA. “We’ve been working with Bell since 1985, but the fundamental change happened when we acquired the European and Asian license in 2001. Bell Racing’s work with the FIA on the 8860 Advanced Helmets and on the children’s helmets has given Bell a serious technological advantage which will be implemented in the new Bell Racing USA product line. We are also very happy to have Kyle Kietzmann as co-owner and President of the new operation; Kyle has been with Bell Auto Racing for so many years, and his experience and motivation are invaluable.”

All helmet products will be designed in the United States and Europe, engineered and manufactured in Bell Auto Racing’s exclusive 50,000 square foot Asian manufacturing, research and development facility, staffed by over 90 manufacturing and engineering employees and equipped with the latest technologies, manufacturing and testing equipment. The effective date of the agreement will coincide with the launch of the Snell SA2010 standard for auto racing helmets. Bell Racing USA will introduce a completely redesigned 2011 product line on October 1, 2010. The new product line, specially developed for the US market, will incorporate many of the technological innovations and design features developed by Bell Racing Europe for the advanced FIA8860 super helmets.

The ownership group for Bell Racing USA has over 70 years of combined experience in the auto racing industry and has worked with the world’s greatest drivers in all forms of racing including F1, Rally, Indy Car, NASCAR and NHRA. The Bell Racing USA ownership team includes:
• Martine Cohen-Kindt, CEO, Bell Racing Europe and Bell Racing USA
• Stephane Cohen, President, Bell Racing Europe and Chairman Bell Racing USA
• Stephan Kindt, Sales and Marketing Director, Bell Racing Europe
• Kyle Kietzmann, President and COO, Bell Racing USA.

Bell Racing, founded in 1954, specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing and distributing auto racing helmets to professional and amateur drivers competing in the sport of auto racing and go-karting. More champions in all forms of racing have worn Bell helmets than any other brand. The Bell name is synonymous with quality, performance and engineering excellence.

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded equipment and accessories that enhance athletic performance and protection. The Company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Riddell, Giro and Blackburn. From Easton to Riddell to Bell to Giro, the brands of Easton-Bell Sports set the standard of design and protective excellence across multiple sports, equipment categories and sales channels. Our commitment to this philosophy and standard is reflected in our unrivaled history and foundational belief in technological innovation. It is the reason each brand holds a strong number one status within key product categories in baseball, softball, hockey, football, cycling as well as snow, action and power sports.

Bell Helmets is a licensed trademark of Bell Sports, Inc. Easton Bell Sports, Inc. retains all rights to the Bell Helmets name and trademark under the terms of this agreement.