29/08/2014

BRG Sports Partners with MIPS AB to Advance Head Protection Technology

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. — August 26, 2014 — BRG Sports, Inc., a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories, today announced that it has invested in MIPS AB.  MIPS AB has developed the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology that will be featured in several new cycling helmet models from BRG Sports brands Giro and Bell.

“We constantly evolve helmet design to incorporate technologies that prove effective at reducing impact energy,” said BRG Sports Executive Chairman and CEO Terry Lee. “After studying and testing MIPS for more than 18 months, we understand how well it works and have a strong desire to collaborate with MIPS to improve the effectiveness with which it manages certain types of impact energy. During the process of getting to know the MIPS team, and after learning more about their technology and capabilities, we decided to make an investment in the company. This investment will enable us to work closely with MIPS in our quest to improve helmet safety and consistently raise the level of protection we offer our customers.”

The patented MIPS Brain Protection System was developed through a collaboration between Swedish engineers and a Swedish neuroscientist to address angled impacts and rotational forces to the brain. Concussion and brain injuries are often caused by rotational forces to the brain during a head impact. MIPS utilizes a low friction layer on the inside of the helmet to absorb some of the energy created by angled blows to the head. By mimicking the brain’s own protective mechanism, MIPS can provide an additional measure of protection in some impacts.

BRG Sports’ investment in MIPS AB will expand the company’s own extensive research, design, and testing capabilities. The first results of these synergies are eight cycling helmet models from Giro and Bell, which will debut at the Eurobike 2014 tradeshow in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Giro also has plans to incorporate MIPS technology in their line of market-leading snowsports helmets.

Johan Thiel, CEO of MIPS commented, “We are very pleased to welcome BRG Sports as a customer and strategic partner. We think highly of BRG Sports’ helmet development capabilities and are proud that they have selected MIPS as a strategic partner. This partnership and the investment made by BRG Sports will contribute to MIPS’ continued growth and in meeting the helmet users’ demand for increased safety and will further strengthen our overall R&D capacity.”

About Bell
From humble beginnings in the garage of a Southern California speed shop in the 1950’s to the heads of champions in auto, motorcycle and bicycle competitions all over the world, Bell is synonymous with protection and progression. For more information about Bell, please visit www.bellhelmets.com

About Giro
Since creating the first lightweight, high-performance helmets for cycling and snowsports, Giro has excelled in the design, fit and engineering of products that complement the body and improve the ride experience.  For more information about Giro, please visit www.giro.com.

About MIPS AB
MIPS was founded in 2001 and is based on research at the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm (KTH) and the Karolinska University Hospital. MIPS’ safety technology (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) adds a measure of protection against rotational forces, which the brain is exposed to in most hits or falls.  MIPS is currently available in ski/snowboard, bicycle, equestrian and motorcycle helmets. For more information about MIPS, please visit www.mipshelmet.com.

About BRG Sports
BRG Sports is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Bell, Blackburn, Giro, Raskullz, Krash! and BULT. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Scotts Valley, California, the company has 27 facilities worldwide. More information is available at: www.brgsports.com.

Media Contacts:
Mark Riedy | 415.302.2923 | mark@trueoverdrive.com
Erin Griffin | 224.585.5231| eegriffin@brgsports.com

Source BRG Sports by press release

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