SAM Magazine-Andover, N.H., Oct 25, 2010-Dalbello and Elan are ending their joint distribution agreement as of Jan. 1, when Alpina Sports Corp. in Lebanon, N.H., will assume responsibility for Elan. The two companies will continue to market the 4Factor rental system, although Dalbello also plans to offer its Vantage system boot for use with other binding systems as well.

"While we have enjoyed a great deal of growth and success with Elan, we have just come to the point where Dalbello requires our full attention," said Dalbellow marketing VP Matt Titus. "We experienced a dramatic increase in sales with both brands this year. However, in order to maximize our opportunities with our core brand, Dalbello, we felt it was necessary to focus our efforts."

Dalbello has seen a 30 percent increase in worldwide sales, and its new technical Scorpion boots are complementing the brand's strength in freeskiing, Titus said. That growth, along with new counterseasonal products, require attention.

Steve Kvinlaug, Alpina VP of sales, said the transition should come with minimal disruption to Elan retail and rental dealers. The company plans to retain the same group of reps that has been handling Elan, and it has retained longtime Elan champion Bill Irwin to manage the rental business. The rest of the sales management team will be in place shortly.

Another plus: since both Alpina and Elan are Slovenian brands, Kvinlaug added, they have had good communication for years. And many Elan accounts also carry Alpina boots or X-C skis-"we probably have a ton of crossover accounts," he said.

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