Bjørn Daehlie, the Norwegian brand for ski and outdoor apparel,...

Bjørn Daehlie, the Norwegian brand for ski and outdoor apparel, is teaming up with Switzerland’s Chris Sports to expand distribution in Central Europe through a joint venture. Chris Sports is already the Swiss importer of Bjørn Daehlie. The new joint venture, Chris Sports Europe, will also supply Austria and Germany. Before, the Norwegian brand was distributed in the two countries by Exel’s Bavarian subsidiary. On top of the deal with Bjørn Daehlie, the new company takes over the distribution in the three countries for Powderhorn, the American free-ski apparel brand, as well as for Nabholz, which is said to be the oldest sportswear brand in the world – founded in 1821 and eventually re-launched. Chris Sports, run by Christian Bättig, is a well-known distributor of sporting goods in its home market. To its portfolio of brands belong, among others, New Balance, Arena, Giro, Easton, Röhnisch and Pearl Izumi.