IMPERIAL HEADWEAR ACQUIRES WATERSHIP TRADING COMPANIE

Imperial Headwear acquired Watership Trading Companie, a Bellingham, Washington-based headwear company that makes wind, water and sun protective hats. Watership founders Greg and Carol Frechette, who launched Watership Trading Companie in 1989, will stay with the company in a sales and product development capacity.

Watership has built its reputation on making classic outdoor hats that protect wearers from the sun, wind and rain by way of technical performance materials. Their hats have certified sun block fabric (with UPF50+ protection) that conforms to the National Skin Cancer Foundation guidelines.

Watership is also known for its Wind Performance HatsTM that maintain shape and function in high winds. The Watership Sports HatsTM are for sailing, paddle sports and fishing and have weather-proof technology.

“We are pleased to add a company of this caliber and reputation to the Imperial family,” said Rick White, President and CEO. “With its expertise in sun protection technology, Watership is the perfect complement to the Imperial product line. Our existing sourcing relationship with Watership makes it a logical fit for us. The demand for purposeful products is driving the headwear market and we are extremely pleased to be able to leverage the most advanced sun and weather technology developed to date.”

Imperial Headwear is a Denver-based Imperial Headwear has been making hats since 1916. They manufacture and market customized, active lifestyle headwear and accessories to the golf, corporate, outdoor, tennis and private label markets. With the recent acquisition of Merge Left, the company has a large presence in the collegiate and military markets.

Imperial partners include the US Golf Association, PGA of America, PGA Tour, LPGA, United States Tennis Association, The Breast Cancer Foundation, The Skin Cancer Foundation, The Girls and is a vendor partner of the Association of Golf Merchandisers. For information, call 800- 950-1916 or www.ImperialHeadwear.com.