Frasers Group has taken a strategic step forward in its global growth by acquiring Holdsport, a leading South African retailer.
- The acquisition involves Holdsport’s 88 stores and its e-commerce platform across South Africa and Namibia.
- Holdsport’s brands including Sportsmans Warehouse, Outdoor Warehouse, and Shelflife are now under Frasers Group’s umbrella.
- The deal aligns with Frasers Group’s goal of diversifying its product range and geographical presence.
- Frasers Group anticipates leveraging their resources to meet the demand for quality sporting goods in a dynamically growing region.
Frasers Group has pursued its international expansion strategy through acquiring Holdsport, a prominent South African retailer, comprising 88 stores across South Africa and Namibia as well as a robust e-commerce platform. The acquisition marks Frasers’ continued advance into the African market following their investment in the Malta-based Hudson Group.
Holdsport, known for its popular outlets such as Sportsmans Warehouse, Outdoor Warehouse, and Shelflife, was sold by Old Mutual Private Equity alongside Holdsport’s management. The retailer had generated more than R3 billion (£130 million) in sales in the year leading to February 2024, highlighting its significant presence in the region.
With assets that include distribution facilities and manufacturing capabilities in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the acquisition offers Frasers Group a strategic base for expanding its operations and product diversity. This move is crucial as Frasers seeks to enhance its product offerings and extend its geographic reach.
Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, expressed optimism about the integration, stating that the combination of Holdsport’s regional expertise and Frasers’ extensive resources would establish a robust platform for growth. He further noted that meeting the rising demand for quality sporting goods in such a vibrant market was a central focus.
Frasers Group’s acquisition of Holdsport is not merely a step in expansion but a strategic move to reinforce its presence in Africa, tapping into the region’s promising growth.
The Holdsport acquisition exemplifies Frasers Group’s strategic vision for growth and diversification in the African market.
