March 23, 201511 yr Louisville Slugger sold to Wilson; bats, museum staying in Kentucky | Daily Business Report | Kentucky.com Baseball bats and gloves are a natural fit, and now they will be a business pair, too. Wilson Sporting Goods Co., the official glove supplier for Major League Baseball, announced Monday that it has bought Louisville Slugger, the official bat of Major League Baseball. The deal is pending approval by shareholders of Hillerich & Bradsby, the parent of Louisville Slugger; the purchase price was not immediately disclosed. Under the terms of the agreement, wood bats will continue to be made at the downtown Louisville plant. The highly successful Louisville Slugger Museum and gift shop in downtown Louisville will remain open. H&B's Bionic Gloves division and Powerbilt golf brand are not part of the agreement with Wilson. John A. Hillerich IV, CEO of H&B, said the decision to sell was difficult. "The Hillerich family, and those closest to the brand, firmly believes that a new business model is necessary to realize the enormous potential of this brand in the future," Hillerich said. "We recognized from our first conversation with Wilson that they would be a great partner and steward of the brand our family created and so many have nurtured for 131 years." Mike Dowse, president of Wilson, said the purchase was part of a play to glow its baseball and softball business globally. "H&B has created one of the most recognizable baseball brands in the world," Dowse said."
March 23, 201511 yr I'm not adjusting well to this new vision of Louisville we're supposed to be enjoying. GE sold to Electrolux, Louisville Slugger and the Louisville Bats both sold away from local ownership. If Brown-Forman sells out to an international beverage conglomerate, I'm done.
March 23, 201511 yr I'm not adjusting well to this new vision of Louisville we're supposed to be enjoying. GE sold to Electrolux, Louisville Slugger and the Louisville Bats both sold away from local ownership. If Brown-Forman sells out to an international beverage conglomerate, I'm done. I agree. Now no ties to Louisville community. Hate to say it but I don't see this as a positive.
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