Yes, it is true. Billabong International Limited puchased Xcel wetsuits. Billabong Chief Executive Officer Derek O’Neill said the acquisition strengthened Billabongs position in the wetsuit industry: “Xcel is a category leader, particularly in its primary markets of Hawaii and mainland USA. It has an authentic surf heritage and it is a brand that we feel can readily benefit from the support of the Billabong Group.”
Xcel was founded in 1982 and has one of the best wetsuits on the market, they got the “Wetsuit of the Year” title by the Surf Industry Manufacturers’ Association to prove it. Xcel founder and owner Ed D’Ascoli will remain with Xcel: “Xcel wetsuits will remain focused on its core products and will then leverage the support of the Billabong Group in areas of distribution and product development”.
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