Recently, Columbia and OutDry signed an agreement to acquire OutDry from Italy Nextec company, including knowledge products and other asset businesses. The acquisition will be completed in the third quarter of this year and will not affect operation.

Tim Boyle, President and chief executive officer of Columbia company, said, "acquisition of OutDry is an important measure for our recent technological innovation and the provision of professional products for outdoor consumers.

We believe that OutDry has a unique method of manufacture. Since 1998, it has been developing waterproof, breathable footwear and gloves.

The products of Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Sorel and Montrail will use OutDry fabric, combine OutDry fabric with our footwear products and gloves, and produce a new Omni-Dry super breathable and waterproof 2011 spring new product, that is to say, Columbia will bring customers' professional products from head to toe in the fierce competition in Columbia.

The waterproof and breathable membrane of OutDry is placed in the outermost layer of shoes or gloves. It prevents water or dust from entering the interior, improves the waterproof and ventilate functions, and keeps insulation, improves adaptability and flexibility, and is more comfortable.

In fall 2009, the functional gloves produced by Mountain Hardwear used OutDry fabrics.

Mountain Hardwear President Topher Gaylord said, "our customers need high quality, functional and innovative products. We use OutDry gloves to meet the needs of customers. They are characterized by warmth, flexibility and functionality."

"We believe that Columbia's decision to buy OutDry will drive the brand to develop better and produce a unique way to produce truly waterproof breathable gloves and footwear products," said Luca Morlacchi, the founder and chief executive of Nextec company.

We look forward to working with our new partner, Columbia company, to further develop OutDry, making it a leading brand and providing waterproof and breathable functional products for global customers. "