Lids Sports Group announced its acquisition of Shawnee, OK-based Baptist’s Athletic Supply. Baptist’s is recognized in the sporting goods industry as being one of the oldest, strongest and best team dealers in the United States. It has 10 outside team salesmen covering all of Oklahoma, north central Texas including the Dallas Metroplex and the west Texas panhandle.

“Obtaining a property in the sports business with the reputation like Baptist’s is a huge score for us,” states Matt Geske, Executive Vice President of LIDS Team Sports, “plus it gives us a foothold into some key markets and enhances what our newfound customers will be able to access with regards to services.”

Baptist’s Athletic Supply was founded in 1922 by N.W. Baptist Sr. He was joined in the business by his son N.W. Baptist Jr. in 1932. In 1967, N.W. Baptist III then joined his father in the business and is still active in the business today.

To keep a firm grasp on the existing market with this acquisition, LIDS Sports Group is hiring all of Baptist’s Sales Representatives and District Sales Manager.

The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.