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Skis And A Latte? It's A Breeze Again
By Craig Altschul June 04, 2007
Specialty Sports Ventures (SSV) announced it has reached an agreement to acquire 18 Breeze Ski Rental shops in Colorado, Utah, and California for $6.5 million. That makes SSV, a joint venture majority-owned by Vail Resorts, one of the largest equipment rental chains in the nation with 145 total shops.
Add in two Starbucks locations also acquired in the deal adjacent to the Breeze shops at high-traffic Dumont on I-70 and at the base of Aspen Mountain, and, well, getting your skis and a Caramel Macchiato will be a breeze. The Starbucks shops will be run by Vail.
"The Breeze name has been around for a really long time and is widely recognized by many skiers and snowboarders," SSV President Ken Gart told The Industry Resort shortly after the agreement was reached. "Because of its strong brand identity, we think this is a real opportunity to restore its luster and stature as a top tier equipment rental experience."
The four Breeze stores in Utah include two in Park City, one at The Canyons, and one in Salt Lake City. Squaw One Accessories and Squaw Valley Clothing in California were also part of the purchase.
Gart, one of the Gart Brothers, Denver's pioneering pre-corporate days sporting goods store family, said SSV will retain the Breeze name but will make a capital infusion in upgrading the rental lines and increase variety. Merchandise selection will be customized for different activities popular in each of the states. Closing of the acquisition is anticipated this month.
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