Implus, the acquisitive U.S. company that owns numerous sports, fitness and footwear accessories brands, has enlarged its fitness category to form the Implus Fitness & Wellness Division, after the purchase of Trigger Point Performance, Harbinger Fitness and Fuel Belt earlier this year. The move is meant to accelerate expansion in the health and fitness market, where Implus was already active with Perfect Fitness and Fit Deck. The division is intended to become a one-stop-shop for retail partners involved in health, fitness and active lifestyle. While Implus' other brands are managed from Raleigh, North Carolina, the fitness division is established in Austin, Texas and led by Ryan Cruthirds, vice president of sales and product, and Marco Garsed, vice president of marketing. Garsed was already at the company but Cruthirds joined from Rise Global Products, in the personal care industry, where he was a partner and vice president of sales and marketing. He previously worked mostly in the foot care, footwear and physical activity markets. Six employees were added to the payroll at the enlarged fitness division, adding up to 28. Harbinger and Fuel Belt, both acquired in November, still have offices in Fairfield, California, and in Rhode Island, but a spokeswoman indicated that these offices are likely to be closed down in time. Implus owns 16 brands after acquisitions from Trigger Point to Balega, Harbinger Fitness and Fuel Belt this year, which marked a majority investment by Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based investment firm.

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