Frasers Group has acquired Holdsport, a well-regarded sports and outdoor retailer in South Africa, from Old Mutual Private Equity and its management. This move aims to enhance Frasers’ product range and international presence.
- Holdsport boasts established ties with key global brands like Nike and adidas, complemented by its own strong brand offerings.
- The acquisition aligns with Frasers’ strategy to leverage Holdsport’s market presence and expertise for regional growth.
- Holdsport’s extensive operations include retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, with notable brands and 88 stores in South Africa and Namibia.
- Frasers’ CEO sees this acquisition as a step towards expanding their reach and meeting growing demand in the dynamic Southern African market.
Frasers Group’s acquisition of Holdsport marks a strategic expansion into the South African market, acquiring it from Old Mutual Private Equity and Holdsport’s management. This acquisition is aimed at broadening Frasers’ product offering and geographical footprint. The group’s decision is rooted in their ambition to diversify and leverage Holdsport’s strong regional presence.
Holdsport is renowned for its connections with major international sports brands like Nike and adidas, alongside respected local brands such as First Ascent and Cape Storm. These partnerships are expected to bolster Frasers’ broad product lineup and assist in meeting varied customer needs across different markets.
Holdsport operates a multifaceted business model encompassing retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, with a significant ecommerce platform. It controls prominent retail brands including Sportsmans Warehouse and Outdoor Warehouse, which collectively generated over £130 million in sales by February 2024. Through its 88 outlets, Holdsport serves customers across South Africa and Namibia, underscoring its wide reach in the region.
Frasers Group CEO Michael Murray underscored the significance of the acquisition: ‘Holdsport has built an incredible brand and reputation across Southern Africa, and we see potential in combining their regional expertise and own brands with our scale and resources.’ He highlighted Frasers’ desire to create a robust platform to support further growth by enhancing their footprint and the ability to cater to the rising demand for quality sporting goods.
Holdsport CEO Bradley Moritz expressed enthusiasm for the deal, stating: ‘We are delighted with Frasers’ acquisition of Holdsport and their inaugural investment into Southern Africa.’ His optimism reflects confidence in the synergy between Frasers’ global operations and Holdsport’s local expertise, predicting significant benefits from shared resources and innovation.
The acquisition of Holdsport by Frasers Group represents a noteworthy strategic move to solidify its presence in Southern Africa’s burgeoning sports retail sector.
