Fewer major deals were executed across the active lifestyle space in 2023 amid rising interest rates and persistent economic uncertainty, but several tuck-ins and smaller to medium-size acquisitions were inked.
A clear trend was seen in the divesture of brands by former brand consolidators, including Wolverine Worldwide, VF Corp. and Vista Outdoor to jettison strong brands that no longer fit a new tighter brand management model. Wolverine and VF Corp. are now focused less on the number of brands and more on fewer key brands that can grow globally and through direct-to-consumer. Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is acquiring brands it can license to key partners globally, while Wolverine is licensing some of its former core brands. Vista divested firearms and ammo brands over the last few years to fit within a new corporate profile.
Among the larger companies and well-known brands that struck new deals in 2023 was the highly-anticipated acquisition by Authentic of the Boardriders business, which closed in September 2023 and includes the Quiksilver, Roxy and DC Shoes brands, among other beach and street lifestyle brands. Authentic spent the rest of the year lining up Boardriders partners to nail down regional partners to manage the global business.
Other brands that changed hands included Hunter, Marucci Sports, Nobull, Rockport, and United Sports Brands, along with Walmart divesting the Moosejaw retail business to Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The other trend in 2023 was the continued consolidation of the RV Dealer market, led by acquisitions made by Camping World and the fitness center and pickleball segment, led by Life Time and EoS deals, which saw acquisitions and new facilities open and new franchisees named across the U.S. market.
Alterra continued its expansion across North America, with ski resorts and related deals in Canada and the U.S.
In Europe, JD Sports continued to make its play, creating a global retail powerhouse in the active lifestyle fashion and performance spaces, while Fleet Feet continued to add doors in the U.S. through acquisition and franchisee expansion.
Below is the list of M&A transactions SGB Media reported in the second half of 2023. The first half of the year was published yesterday, December 28.
July 2023
Envo Drive Systems Acquires Canadian E-Mobility Brand
Envo Drive Systems, a maker of e-bikes and e-vehicles for snow, water and 4-wheeling, acquired fellow Canadian e-mobility brand Veemo from its sole creditor, Velo Metro.
Lazydays Closes on Knoxville RV Dealer Acquisition
Lazydays completed the acquisition of Buddy Gregg RVs & Motor Homes in Knoxville, TN.
Camping World Acquires Indiana RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings, Inc. announced plans to acquire Mount Comfort RV in Greenfield, IN.
True Velocity Acquires Advanced Suppressor Technology Company
True Velocity acquired advanced suppressor technology company Delta P Design, strengthening its portfolio of American-made advanced, lightweight ammunition technology and next-generation weapon systems.
Nobull Acquired By BodyArmor Founder
Mike Repole, the founder of Vitaminwater and BodyArmor, acquired a majority stake in Nobull, the training footwear and apparel brand. Co-founders Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer continue with Nobull.
Fashion Brand Styched Acquires India Sneaker Startup Flatheads
Styched, an online apparel brand based in India and founded in 2019, acquired Flatheads, a direct-to-customer (DTC) online casual sneaker start-up that gained attention after appearing in season two of Shark Tank India.
Camping World Closes on Acquisition of Yuba City, CA Dealership
Camping World Holdings, Inc. closed on the acquisition of All Seasons RV in Yuba City, CA. The purchase increases its California location count to 21.
Smith’s Sporting Group Acquires Tanners Team Sports
Smith’s Sporting Group acquired Tanners Team Sports, Inc. The two companies distribute over 1,000 products worldwide and nationally through specialty retailers and big box stores.
Ebay Closes on Acquisition of AI-Powered Digital ID, Authentication Provider
Ebay, Inc. completed the acquisition of Certilogo, a provider of AI-powered apparel and fashion goods digital IDs and authentication. Based in Milan, Certilogo leverages digital technology to empower brands and designers to manage the lifecycle of their garments.
GSM Outdoors Acquires D&J Plastics and Big Bite Baits
GSM Outdoors acquired D&J Plastics and Big Bite Baits. GSM said, “D&J has been a trusted source throughout the fishing industry for OEM manufacturing for over 45 years, with a strong focus on soft plastics.”
Neomouv Acquires Portuguese Bike Manufacturer Unibike
Neomouv, the French brand of e-bikes, announced the acquisition, via its parent company VAxE, of 80 percent of the capital of Unibike.
New Wave Group Acquires Tenson AB
New Wave Group AB acquired Swedish outdoor and lifestyle company Tenson AB. Tenson AB became part of New Wave’s Sports & Leisure operating segment, which includes Craft, Cutter & Buck, Auclair, and Paris Glove.
Fin Rage Tackle LLC Acquires Al’s Goldfish Lure Company
Fin Rage Tackle, LLC, based in Green Bay, WI, acquired Al’s Goldfish Lure Company, owned and operated by Jeff and Mandy DeBuigne in Eliot, ME since 2018.
Camping World Holdings Acquires Wyoming RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings, Inc. is poised to acquire Sonny’s RVs in Casper, WY. The transaction will close in the fourth quarter of 2023, increasing the company’s RV locations in the state to two.
JD Sports Moves Forward to Acquire Balance of Iberian Sports Retail Group Shares
JD Sports Fashion Plc, the parent of the JD, Finish Line, DTLR, and Shoe Palace retail brands in the U.S. and others worldwide, reiterated its intention, first announced on May 9, to acquire the remaining 49.98 percent of shares in Iberian Sports Retail Group, S.L.
Amped Fitness Acquires Four Gyms in Florida
Amped Fitness acquired four former YouFit gyms in Florida, enabling the fitness chain to enter four new markets.
Kit And Ace Acquired by Unity Brands
Kit and Ace, the technical apparel company started by Lululemon Athletica founder, and ex-CEO, Chip Wilson and his family, was acquired by Unity Brands, run by Canadian retail veteran Joe Mimran.
Rockport Acquired by Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group reported that The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the sale transaction of Rockport. Authentic also signed a long-term licensing agreement for Rockport with Marc Fisher Footwear.
August 2023
Chandler Bats Acquires Emery Glove
Chandler Bats acquired custom baseball glove manufacturer Emery Glove Co., benefiting both companies with product diversification and increased opportunity for customer crossover.
Yamaha Motor Corp. Acquires Florida Saltwater Testing Facility
Yahama Motor Corp. purchased Fort George Island Marina in Duval County, FL, intending to convert the facility into the Yamaha Offshore Endurance Center.
True Capital Acquires Bench and Nicce Owner Apparel Brands
London-based True Capital acquired Apparel Brands, the Manchester-based parent of Bench, Nicce and Hooch fashion apparel brands. Apparel Brands also licenses Smith & Jones, Ed Hardy, Farah, Seafolly, Money, and Caterpillar.
CBC Global Ammunition Advances Lead-Free Ammo Solutions with Acquisition
CBC Global Ammunition acquired SinterFire, which CBC said “is a pioneering name in lead-free bullet technology” and that the alliance “enhances its position as a global provider of ammunition solutions.”
Winchester Ammo Parent Acquires White Flyer Targets
The acquisition includes White Flyer’s five manufacturing facilities in Coal Township, PA; Dalton, GA; Webb City, MO; Knox, IN; and, San Bernardino, CA and White Flyer’s Eco Flyer target product line.
Alterra Mountain Company Closes on Schweitzer Acquisition
The addition of Schweitzer brings the company’s year-round mountain destinations to 17 in North America, including the world’s largest heli-ski operation.
Aerosoles, White Mountain Parent Acquires Hatch Collective
American Exchange Group, the parent of the Aerosoles and White Mountain footwear brands, moved into the beauty space by acquiring HatchCollective, the manufacturer of beauty and personal care brands.
Lippert Acquires Marine Trailer Performance
Lippert Components, Inc., a components supplier supporting the recreation and transportation industries, acquired substantially all of the business assets of Marine Trailer Performance, a marine axle manufacturer based in Houston, TX.
Tapestry, Inc. Acquires Capri Holdings in $8.5 Million Deal
This acquisition brings together the Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman brands owned by Tapestry with the Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors brands owned by Capri.
Foundation Outdoor Group Adds to Brand Portfolio with Two Acquisitions
The company has acquired Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. and American Tackle Company International, Inc. The company said the move positions the company as the “industry’s largest supplier of fishing rod components, supplies, equipment, and rod building instruction.”
La Sportiva Acquires Majority Stake in Meet Italia
La Sportiva acquired a majority stake in the Veneto-based company Meet Italia, a manufacturer that produces Made in Italy mountain footwear and a La Sportiva strategic partner for over twenty years.
Lazydays RV Completes Acquisition of Century RV
Lazydays acquired Century RV in Longmont, CO, strengthening its presence in Denver. The location was renamed “Lazydays RV of Denver at Longmont.”
Camping World to Acquire RV Arizona
Camping World Holdings, Inc. announced plans to acquire RV Arizona Consignment Specialists in El Mirage, AZ.
September 2023
Authentic Closes on Acquisition of Boardriders
Authentic Brands Group closed on the acquisition of Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, VonZipper, Honolua, and Boardriders. David Brooks, formerly global general manager of RVCA and Boardriders Partnerships, was appointed EVP of Authentic’s action and outdoor sports lifestyle business.
Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour to Merge
The operators of the two major pickleball leagues, Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour agreed to merge. The companies will remain distinct, but the merger aims to eliminate scheduling conflicts and competition over players.
Nebraska Sports Card Retailers Merge Operations
Rickley Sports Cards, LLC, a sports card and memorabilia shop, completed the acquisition of a sports card shop Perfect 10 Card Company.
Spartan Race Acquires OCR World Championships
Spartan Race, the obstacle course racing (OCR) organization, acquired the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships.
Garmin Completes Acquisition of JL Audio
Garmin, Ltd. completed the acquisition of JL Audio, which designs and manufactures audio solutions for marine, aftermarket automotive, powersports, home, and RV customers.
Pure Hockey Acquires North Georgia Hockey
The hockey specialty retailer said the acquisition marks Pure Hockey’s first entry into the Georgia market.
Performance Health Acquires Sports Medicine Product Distributor Sissel France
With a legacy spanning over 30 years in the medical and paramedical product market, Sissel France’s brands and products are said to “align with Performance Health’s mission to help people feel good, perform better and live their best lives.”
NRF Acquires Reverse Logistics Association
The reverse logistics industry manages the collecting, sorting, repairing, and refurbishing of products for resale or recycling.
Netflix Co-Founder Acquires Majority Stake in Powder Mountain
Reed Hastings is now the majority owner of Powder Mountain following a $100 million investment that signals a new era for the mountain resort known for its “daily lift ticket caps and uncrowded visitor experience.”
Thélios Acquires Vuarnet from NEO Investment Partners
Thélios said it aims to restore the brand’s former glory, empowering Vuarnet to “elevate its product quality and push the boundaries of innovation.” Vuarnet’s mineral lens expertise will reportedly benefit Thélios in expanding its know-how in this area.
BMZ Acquires Nox Cycles and Hawk Bikes
The BMZ Group, a maker of lithium-ion batteries, acquired the e-bike brand Nox Cycles Austria, its sister companies in Germany and Switzerland, and the Hawk Bikes brand.
Brunswick Enters Electric-Foiling Surfboard Market with Acquisition
The acquisition of Fliteboard, which combines advanced hydrofoils and electric propulsion on the water, presents the opportunity for technological, manufacturing, commercial, and consumer synergies with Brunswick’s portfolio.
VanMoof E-Bike Brand Acquired by McLaren Applied Subsidiary
Lavoie, the electric scooter unit of Formula One engineering and technology firm McLaren Applied, agreed to acquire bankrupt Dutch e-bike maker VanMoof.
October 2023
Acme Tackle Expands Portfolio with Moonshine Lures Acquisition
Acme Tackle Company, the makers of Acme, Kalin’s, Beaver Dam, Reef Runner, Uncle Josh, Atom and Bead fishing brands, acquired Moonshine Lures, LLC of Perkins, MI.
Shein Acquires Missguided Brand from Frasers
Frasers, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, announced plans to sell the intellectual property and trademarks of the Missguided online women’s fashion retailer to Shein.
Fleet Feet Acquires Ultra Running Company
Fleet Feet expanded its retail footprint further with the acquisition of Charlotte, NC-based Ultra Running Company. The store was rebranded to Fleet Feet Charlotte–Myers Park.
Stahls’ Acquires Apparel Order Fulfillment Software Company
Stahls’ acquired Fulfill Engine, a software technology company specializing in decorated apparel order fulfillment, supply chain management and e-commerce store integration.
Steve Madden Acquires Almost Famous
Steven Madden, Ltd. completed the acquisition of Almost Famous, a privately held maker of women’s apparel for $52 million in cash.
Tennis Warehouse Acquires Swetka’s Tennis Shop
Tennis Warehouse, the tennis retailer based in Luis Obispo, CA, acquired Swetka’s Tennis Shop in Mountain View, CA, a fixture in the Bay Area tennis community for over 50 years.
Camping World to Acquire Travelcamp RV
Camping World Holdings Inc. agreed to acquire Travelcamp RV, which operates 12 locations across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
Anta Sports Acquires Women’s Apparel Brand
Anta Sports agreed to acquire Mayiya Clothing, which owns the Maia Active sportswear and yoga apparel brand.
Life Time to Acquire Arden Hills Athletic & Social Club Property in Sacramento
Life Time announced plans to acquire the property of Arden Hills Athletic & Social Club in Sacramento and reopen the facility as Life Time Arden in early 2024.
Har-Tru Acquires Armor Crack Repair
Har-Tru, LLC, a specialist in court construction and surfacing solutions based in Troy, VA, has acquired Armor Crack Repair, which specializes in court crack repair and maintenance.
Barre3 Acquires The Barre Code
Barre3, the barre fitness company based in Portland, OR, acquired fellow studio operator, The Barre Code. With the acquisition, Barre3 said it has 185 studios nationwide and a digital platform with subscribers in more than 100 countries.
Alterra Mountain to Acquire Helicopter Skiing Company
The company announced plans to acquire Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in Blue River, BC, Canada. Upon closing, the heli-skiing operation will further expand Alterra’s heli-skiing portfolio, complementing CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures.
Denver’s Echo Mountain Acquired
Jogan Inc., a Denver-based holding company, acquired Echo Mountain, a ski area located near Evergreen and Idaho Springs, CO.
Clarus Acquires Tred Outdoors
Clarus Corporation acquired Tred Outdoors Pty Ltd., the Australia-based outdoor and recovery gear manufacturer, from Venlo Holdings.
Elegant Team Development Acquired by Lever Style
Elegant Team Development, a Hong Kong-based supply chain solutions provider with expertise in outdoor and activewear, was acquired by Lever Style, the apparel production platform also headquartered in Hong Kong.
Parlee Cycles Acquired by Private Investor
The acquisition of the brand and 100 percent of the assets of Parlee Cycles by avid cyclist and independent investor John Harrison signals a new chapter as the company assets move to a new entity, Parlee Composites, Inc.
November 2023
Vail Resorts to Acquire Swiss Ski Resort
Vail Resorts, Inc. agreed to acquire Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland from CPI Property Group. Crans-Montana Mountain Resort spans approximately 4,593 square feet of skiable vertical terrain with about 87 miles of trails.
ATSports Merges with Ace Sport Surfaces
ATSports, Inc. (Acrytech), the manufacturer of surface coatings for tennis, pickleball, basketball courts, and track fields, reported a strategic merger with Ace Sport Surfaces and launched its ATSports installation training division.
Canada Goose Acquires First European Manufacturing Facility
Canada Goose acquired the operating assets of Romania’s Paola Confectii Manufacturing, the brand’s first European facility.
Tennis Express Re-Acquired by Founder
Houston, TX-based Tennis Express announced that Brad Blume, company founder, re-acquired full ownership in the retail and online business from Signa Sports United. Blume had previously sold a majority interest in Tennis Express to SSU but had remained president of Tennis Express and a minority shareholder.
United Sports Brands Acquired by Norwest Equity Partners
Norwest Equity Partners acquired United Sports Brands, the parent of Shock Doctor, McDavid, Cutters, Nathan, Pearl Izumi, and Glukos, from Bregal Partners. NEP’s history with USB brands dates to 2008 when it acquired Shock Doctor as part of its consumer products portfolio.
Iconix Acquires Majority Stake in Streetwear Brand Hoodrich
Iconix International, formerly Iconix Brand Group, acquired majority control of British streetwear brand Hoodrich. Brand founder Jay Williams will continue as a minority shareholder.
Evo Acquires Bergland Hotel in Japan
Evo Hotel Hakuba is the company’s second hotel. It follows the opening of Evo Hotel Salt Lake in 2022 in Utah.
Out&Back Outdoor Acquires The Locals Sale
Out&Back Outdoor, a marketplace to buy or sell new and used outdoor gear, acquired gear exchange company The Locals Sale. As part of the merger, all employees joined Out&Back Outdoor.
Chief Upland Acquires Q5 Outdoor Products
Expanding the Chief Upland brand from one core upland vest style to over six. Chief said it now has “dialed-in gear offerings for hunting in all climates and for pursuing all types of upland game.”
Fleet Feet Fort Myers Acquires Run Florida on McGregor
Fleet Feet Fort Myers owners Janene and Brian Urichko purchased Run Florida On McGregor from friend and owner John Rinkenbaugh, who joins Fleet Feet Fort Myers as an outfitter.
Comfort Ones Shoes Acquires Saxon Shoes
Comfort Ones Shoes, the independent footwear chain based in Alexandria, VA, acquired Saxon Shoes, based in Richmond, VA.
Camping World to Acquire Sixth Missouri RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings, Inc. announced plans to acquire Youngblood RV in Springfield, MO. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, increasing the Camping World’s Missouri locations to six.
OrderMyGear Acquires DistributorCentral
OrderMyGear acquired DistributorCentral, a technology provider for suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry.
Fox Factory and CODI Complete Marucci Sports Transaction
Compass Diversified completed the company’s previously-announced sale of its majority-owned subsidiary, Wheelhouse Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Marucci Sports, LLC, to Fox Factory Holding Corp. for $572 million.
GSM Outdoors Expands Brand Stable with Camillus, Cuda Acquisitions
GSM Outdoors acquired Camillus Cutlery, founded in 1876, one of the oldest knife manufacturers in the United States, and the Cuda fishing tools brand.
Topgolf Callaway Acquires BigShots Golf
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. purchased BigShots Golf, which includes four U.S. venues, comprised of one company-owned venue and three franchises, as well as development rights for potential venues.
Good Feet Holdings Closes on Stretch*d Acquisition
Good Feet Holdings, LLC, a holdings group of wellness brands, including The Good Feet Store and ING Source, acquired Stretch*d, which has two locations in New York City and a Home Stretch*d service operating in Manhattan and Westchester, as well as parts of Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, The Hamptons, and Greenwich, CT.
December 2023
Frasers Group Acquires Matches
Frasers Group, the parent of Sports Direct, agreed to acquire luxury e-tailer Matchesfashion, recently renamed Matches, for £52 million ($63 million).
RW Designs Acquired by Platinum Equity
Rainbow West Apparel (RW Designs), a private label house, was acquired by Platinum Equity portfolio company Hop Lun, a Hong Kong-based designer and manufacturer of undergarments and swimwear.
GSM Outdoors Acquires Phenix Rods
GSM Outdoors reported it acquired Phenix Rods, marking the company’s entry into the fishing rod space.
EXEC: Authentic’s Reebok Europe Partner Acquired by Korean Retailer
Coupang, Inc., a Korea-based global retailer, reported plans to acquire the business and assets of online luxury retailer Farfetch, Authentic’s partner chosen to manage Reebok in Europe.
GT Golf Acquires ProActive Sports Group
GT Golf Supplies, Inc., a wholesale golf distributor, reported acquiring the ProActive Sports Group, based in Canby, OR.
TeamSnap Acquires Mojo Sports
TeamSnap, the provider of sports management software and an online community for youth sports, acquired MOJO Sports, a youth sports media platform that offers instruction resources, sports team management tools, live video streaming, and multimedia content sharing.
3Step Sports Acquires EDP Soccer
3Step Sports acquired EDP Soccer, reporting that the merger will make the company the “largest owner-operator of youth soccer leagues in the United States.” EDP Soccer also owns International Sporting Events and New York Club Soccer.
Sports Direct Parent Acquires Menswear Retailer John Anthony
Frasers Group, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, reported it acquired John Anthony, a U.K.-based retailer offering a mix of designer collections from new and established labels.
Tanger Acquires First Open-Air Lifestyle Center
Tanger acquired Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, AL for $193.5 million using cash on hand and available liquidity. Management expects the center to deliver a first-year return in the mid-eight percent range, with the potential for additional growth over time.
Xponential Fitness To Acquire Lindora
Under the transaction terms, Lindora’s 31 clinics will become Xponential franchise locations, and Xponential will acquire all of Lindora’s intellectual property and franchise the brand globally.
Bigshot Archery Acquires Delta McKenzie Targets
Targets will continue to be sold and marketed under the Bigshot and Delta McKenzie brand names and Bigshot will continue to be represented by MWS Associates while Delta McKenzie will continue to be represented by Summit Outdoor Sales.
Keep an eye here at SGB Media and SGBonline.com for the latest deal news in the active lifestyle market in 2024.
Access other SGB Media Year in Review content here:
SGB 2023 Year In Review: Active Lifestyle M&A Activity Slows – Part I
In Memorium: Remembering the Active Lifestyle Leaders Lost In 2023
