Rip Curl announced they had purchased the 19 store Victorian chain, Ozmosis. This is the second major retail acquisition for Rip Curl and follows a big industry push into retail over the last few years led by Billabong who has purchased major chains world wide over the last year and a bit. I’m not sure how long this trend can last but I would suggest to any small to medium size chain stores – now is the time to sell up. I don’t see this kind of battle over floor space lasting any kind of extended period so take the money and run, son. From the release (below) it looks as though the stores are going to pretty much remain as is and they will still be run by General Manager, Tom Cahill.

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PRESS RELEASE

RIP CURL ACQUIRES OZMOSIS SURF RETAIL CHAIN

Surfing Company Rip Curl today announced the acquisition of the Victorian based Australian surf retail chain, Ozmosis.

There are 19 stores in the Ozmosis chain with key locations in nearly all major shopping centres in Melbourne. The purchase follows the 2010 acquisition of the Waves surf retail chain, which is based in Perth, Western Australia.

Rip Curl was originally attracted to both the quality of the Ozmosis multi-brand stores and the experienced and talented team of retailers within, led by General Manager Tom Cahill. As such, Ozmosis will continue to operate from its Melbourne Headquarters under the management of Tom and the current team. In addition, the team’s considerable experience will be applied elsewhere and Tom will assume responsibility for the management of the Waves stores in WA.

“We look forward to working closely with the team at Ozmosis to further develop the surf and action sports retail market in Victoria. Melbourne is one of the great epicentres of youth culture and Victoria home to some of the best surfing, skiing and snowboarding in the country, and Rip Curl wants to provide its customers with better access to the lifestyle products they need,” said Rip Curl Asia Pacific CEO, Steven Kay. “Ozmosis can really help us do that.”

The acquisition cements Rip Curl’s commitment close to the home of its Torquay headquarters and follows hot on the heels of record crowds at Bells Beach for the 50th Anniversary of the Rip Curl Pro, one of Victoria’s Hallmark events, the longest running and most prestigious surfing contest in the world.