Spotlight: Ski Accidents Help Boost Shares of Helmet Maker

Shares of Bell Sports Corp., a maker of protective headgear, have risen 13% since Dec. 31 as interest in its helmets has increased, sparked by the skiing accident deaths of Michael Kennedy and Sonny Bono, Chief Executive Terry Lee said. The San Jose company makes and markets cycling and auto-racing helmets under the brands Bell, Giro and Rhode Gear U.S.A. and has a new line of ski helmets. Shares of the firm, which trade on Nasdaq, closed at $9.50 on Thursday, up from $8.44 at the end of 1997.