Mergers & Acquisitions

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Retail and distribution optimization company Aldata said Tuesday it has merged with customer engagement specialist EYC.

Both companies are part of the Symphony Technology Group, and the merger will create a new company, Symphony EYC.

The merger is intended to combine EYC’s customer engagement analytics with Aldata’s retail and distribution optimization execution capabilities, linking customer insights and engagement strategies into retail assortment, merchandising and supply chain execution.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike has named Roger Wyett as its new VP of Action Sports. Wyett will oversee Nike brand’s skateboarding and snow businesses, as well as Hurley International LLC.

Sandy Bodecker, the current VP of Action Sports at Nike, will now work on special projects involving long-term product innovation. Additionally, Jim Calhoun, CEO of Converse, will report directly to Mark Parker, president and CEO of Nike.

Merriam, Kansas -- Shopping center owner and developer DDR Corp., based in Beachwood, Ohio, said Tuesday it will sell 22 acres of land to Ikea Property for the construction of Ikea’s first store in Kansas, located in the Kansas City bedroom community of Merriam, Kan.
 
Ikea confirmed Tuesday that the City Council of Merriam has unanimously approved plans for this project, following last month's approval from the city's Planning Commission.
 

Boston-based private equity firm Berkshire Partners named Staples president and COO Mike Miles to the role of advisory director.

Miles spent the past decade at Staples and his last day will be February 2, 2013. In his new capacity at Berkshire, Miles is tasked with sourcing new investment ideas and serving as an operating advisor to Berkshire’s portfolio of companies.

Minneapolis -- Investment firm Joh. A. Benckiser Group agreed to acquire Caribou Coffee Co. for approximately $340 million.

Caribou will continue to be based in Minneapolis and operate under its own brand and management, the companies said in a statement. As of September 30, 2012, the company had 610 coffeehouses, including 202 franchised locations, in 22 states, the District of Columbia and 10 international markets.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Former Kellogg Company executive Carlos Canals has joined Ciao Bella as CEO.

Ciao Bella is a gelato and sorbet brand that recently added Greek frozen yogurt to its dessert lineup.

North Bergen, N.J. -- The Vitamin Shoppe announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Super Supplements, a specialty retailer of vitamin, mineral and supplements for approximately $50 million.

Super Supplements, headquartered in Seattle, operates 31 stores in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The acquisition expands the Vitamin Shoppe's presence in the Pacific

Jeremy Cage was named CEO of the global LED lighting firm Lighting Science Group.

Cage, 48, was selected to lead the company based on his experience in building major brands, his success in developing commercially-appealing technologies and bringing them to market, as well as his distinguished track record of strengthening business models and improving operational efficiencies, according to a statement by Lighting Science Group.

Cage replaces Brad Knight, who served as interim CEO while the board worked with an executive search firm. Knight will continue to serve as COO.