In a separate release, West 49 confirmed it would now favor the company's acquisition by Australian clothing retailer Billabong International after Zumiez expressed its unwillingness to proceed with a deal.

www.zumiez.com

On July 9, Zumiez had informed West 49 that it was prepared to top Billabong International's offer for the company.

Australian clothing retailer Billabong had offered to buy West 49 for C$83.2 million ($80.70 million), or C$1.30 per share, in cash, aiming to expand in the North American market for surfing and skateboarding gear.

Zumiez was supposed to make an offer in excess of Billabong's bid of C$1.30 per share.

Zumiez and West 49 are similar multi-brand action sports retailers and both sell Billabong products.

West 49 said its board supports the Billabong transaction and recommended the company's shareholders to vote in favor of the deal.

(Reporting by Sakthi Prasad in Bangalore; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)