Universal Athletic Service has acquired fellow team dealer Metro Athletic of Edina, MN. Universal will retain most of Metro Athletic’s employees following the acquisition.
Metro Athletic has been in the team business for 19 years and has a strong presence in the Minneapolis market.
Universal Athletic has been in the team business since 1971, and with the addition of Metro Athletic will have 12 locations and 48 salesmen operating in 8 states in the Rocky Mountain and Midwest regions.
Universal Athletic President Larry Aasheim shared that the acquisition is a great fit, and provides Universal Athletic with an opportunity for expansion. “We really like the dynamics of this acquisition because of the reputation of Metro Athletic, the familiarity of the people involved, the association with the TAG buying group, and the opportunity it gives us to grow our business in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota by combining and leveraging our experience and resources in these markets,” stated Aasheim.
Aasheim added that Metro Athletic’s former owners – Paul Kokesh and John Wilhoit – will stay involved to help with the transition, while Ryan Wenkus will become the managing partner of the Minnesota operation.
“We will maintain most all of the employees of Metro Athletic in order to maintain continuity and the good service they have provided to their customers,” said Aashiem.
