Power Rangers Buy Mambo
It's morphin' time!
Saban Brands, of Power Ranger fame, has acquired Australian fashion and lifestyle brand Mambo for an undisclosed, but presumably tidy sum.
Mambo was established in 1984 in the Sydney suburb of Alexandria, as an after hours project in a t-shirt printing shop. The first store was opened in Paddington, Sydney in 1995.
Mambo now sells the full beach and relaxed urban lifestyle. From iconic T's to hip boardshorts, wetsuits, bikinis, watches, bikes, backpacks, skateboards and scooters.
Notable amongst their creative output has been the 'Loud Shirt', ‘Real Wrestlers, Real Wrestling’ ‘Live Fast Die Young in a Nice Pair of Shorts’ and the famous ‘Call Of The Wild (Farting Dog)'.
Mambo's artistic lineup has also been pretty impressive. Artists like Reg Mombassa (guitarist and original member of Mental As Anything), Robert Moore, Paul McNeil, Marcelle Lunam, Matthew Martin, Gerry Wedd, Robert Williams (US), Trevor Jackson (UK), Stephen Bliss (UK), Rockin’ Jelly Bean (Japan) and more recently, Josh Petherick, Ben Frost, Kelly Smith, Marty Schneider and Kareena Zerefos.
Mambo has recently upped its creative game after a time in the business wilderness. Under the direction of managing director Angus Kingsmill the brand refocused on its five core pillars of; surf, skate, humour, music, and art.
Kingsmill said of the sale “The furthest thing from our mind was selling Mambo,”. But like many fashion brands you clearly need more than just artistic talent, you need money, lots of money. Kingsmill summed it up nicely, “We were growing the brand nicely over recent years, but it’s difficult with a small team based out of Sydney to give that investment in other markets, and that’s what Saban can bring to Mambo.”
Saban Brands managing director of strategic business development Dan Castle said in a statement: “We are thrilled to add Mambo to our portfolio of lifestyle brands. As an Australian brand with a unique art-driven aesthetic, Mambo will play a significant role in our international growth strategy both in Australia and around the world.”
Saban’s investment will initially focus on expanding the brand’s global market, but Kingsmill says that there are “bullish plans” for its investment in the Australian market.
Saban has interests in a number of areas including entertainment, music, television, brand marketing and licensing. They also owns fashion and lifestyle brands Paul Frank and Macbeth.
Kingsmill may or may not be joking when he hinted at a Farting Dog TV cartoon in future.
May the 'Toot' live forever!
Check out the Mambo site there is some cool stuff to be had.
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