I am not an official spokesman for Brunswick, so I respond here as a bowler who cares about bowling. Brunswick has treated me like a king for many years, and I have loved my association with them. Now... on to my response.
The people that used to own EBI are loaded, but some of their businesses have been in trouble financially, such as Banana Republic and Gap. My guess is that they will continue to divest and simplify more, but it's just a hunch.
Although this is a surprise to all, I look at it as another example of Brunswick's commitment to bowling, as opposed to EBI's former owners, who likely sold everything at a discount (otherwise, why would it be attractive to any prospective buyer) and walked away from bowling.
Competition in the marketplace is usually a good thing, because it causes all involved to be better in order to compete. The future for these 4 brands will be known at some point in the future, but at least they are owned by a company that cares about bowling.
As I've said before, those of you who are stubborn enough to claim you're only buying U.S. products, while wearing clothing sewn elsewhere and driving cars assembled elsewhere, are limiting your options, but go ahead. Your patriotism is selective at best. I love my country, too, but this is a global economy whether we like it or not.
Storm is a great company. Motiv has a smaller market share, but I wish them well because it's good for bowling to have the competition. So, while I was surprised at Brunswick's acquisition because it seemingly came out of nowhere, I applaud it if it keeps bowling stronger in it's own little world.
Bowling is not a "life or death" thing, it's recreation in an ever-increasing competitive market for people's recreation time and money. I love bowling. I want it to survive, but you've all seen the handwriting on the wall. Bowling centers are closing at alarming rates because the property they sit on is suddenly more valuable than kept open as traditional bowling establishments.
Time will answer many of these questions, but this should be viewed as a bowling company purchasing another bowling company. Hopefully they can make it all work for the better of the game we love.
