SYDNEY: The new owners of apparel supplier International Sports Clothing (ISC) have found themselves in a quandry after the former parent group of the business was placed into administration.
Rosebery-headquartered licensing group ISC - which has around 90 staff across Sydney and the UK, is a key supplier to a host of rugby, AFL and bowls teams including Australian Super 14 franchises and the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers rugby league teams.
It is understood when the former parent group, DMC, sold the business it included in the sale several existing licensing agreements. Its collapse means ISC could potentially be held liable for some of the outstanding funds.
Reports in Fairfax New Zealand newspapers yesterday (February 8) suggested New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has been caught up in the collapse with ISC thought to provide the NZRL with a certain amount of free merchandise and any extra paid for by the union. The NZRL also makes money via a licensing arrangement with the 19-year-old company that sees it get a payment for every officially licensed product sold.
A second Kiwi rugby union, Bay of Plenty, said his union had been aware of the problems facing the group for some time and the licence to supply his union with their gear was currently out for tender.
It is understood the Australian NRL union ended its supporter gear arrangement with ISC on December 31.