Nautilus Buys Universal

VANCOUVER, WA -- Earlier this week, Nautilus Inc. acquired the Universal(R) brand of fitness equipment at an auction of assets for $2.31 million.

"The stable of brands we are assembling including Nautilus(R), Bowflex(R), Stairmaster(R), Schwinn Fitness(R), Pearl Izumi(R) and now Universal(R) creates tremendous potential in our consumer segmentation strategy," said Gregg Hammann, chairman and CEO of Nautilus Inc. "The Universal brand consistently surfaces as one of the strongest in the fitness category, and will serve as an excellent platform for our continued innovation and diversification in many of our sales channels."

Universal Gym Equipment was formed in 1957 and produced single- and multi-station weight training, and cardiovascular equipment, for commercial, business and home use. The company emphasized dynamic variable resistance by designing equipment based upon research surrounding human motion and mechanics. Flexible Flyer acquired the brand in 1998 and has sold products under license.

As part of the Universal acquisition, Nautilus also acquired complimentary trademarks in the Universal portfolio, including Universal Gyms, Power Pak, Universal Fitness, Maximus, Vitamaster, Centurion, and Power Circuit among many others.