Investors got excited when the maker of Wrangler jeans added hiking boots and sports gear to its roster. In October, shares of the world's largest apparel maker surged to the highest in three years when it acquired Timberland for $1.8 billion.
Within the apparel industry, the outdoor sector is often considered a smart way to reach well-off consumers who spend more, even in times of economic uncertainty. For VF, the acquisition marked its biggest in its 112-year history. The company plans to cut costs at Timberland and make money on the brand by expanding in Europe and China.
