Regis Roland, visionary founder of the original Apocalypse Snow films and brand, put his French snowboard/freeski company Apo Snow “into administration protection” on July 6, 2009, according to an interview on Board Sports Source. Here’s some of what he had to say about it.

I think everybody has noticed that the financial crisis has hit companies badly and it has unfortunately hit my company at the wrong time. Indeed, in the past 5 years, we have been investing in costly innovative projects such as our patented bindings, (Our Dual Entry System) and more recently our new ski range. . .The returns have been decent, but as an independent brand, we do not have the financial clout to support such a large investment without the backing of a strong financial group or the support of our banks.

Roland says the company is “not dead,” production of the 2009/10 has been launched, and he is currently looking for a private investor to make the company stronger.

[Link: Board Sports Source]