Stirling Sports/adidas/Invincibles Jersey

Media Release – Stirling Sports/adidas/Canterbury Invincibles Jersey
Released by Stirling Sports Franchises Ltd
Tuesday 21st August 2001

This media release provides clarification on the position of Stirling Sports with regard to the dispute between adidas NZ Ltd and Canterbury International Ltd regarding the Invincibles rugby jersey.

Stirling Sports received a letter of demand from adidas on 16 August. Stirling Sports objected to the tone of the letter. It is also aware of its obligations under the Commerce Act, and did not seek the removal of the Invincibles jersey from its franchisees stores consequent on receipt of the adidas letter (as has been misreported in the media).

However, the letter sent to our franchisees by adidas NZ Ltd last week potentially creates a problem for Stirling Sports Franchises Limited and our Franchisees under that Act. To comply with the demand may breach the Act.

While we still value our supply relationship with adidas, as a direct result of their letter and to ensure compliance with the Commerce Act, Stirling Sports Franchises Ltd have:

(a) contacted Canterbury International Ltd with a request that Canterbury supply all Stirling Sports stores, to allow them all to sell the jersey. Canterbury International Ltd has had a policy of only supplying some of our stores, as a result of Canterbury’s own marketing needs. Canterbury have advised that they will now supply all stores (but with a reservation in relation to some product lines, that are supplied exclusively to Canterbury International Ltd franchisees).

(b) advised our stores that Canterbury International Ltd already supplies, to continue to stock and sell the Canterbury Invincibles jersey.

This result may not be regarded as ideal by adidas, but we are sure it will be to the benefit of the New Zealand public. It also ensures that Stirling Sports Franchises Limited complies with both the letter and the spirit of the Commerce Act.

ENDS

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