Dubai’s GMG Acquires Southeast Asian Sports Retailer

The Dubai-based family holding company, Gulf Marketing Group (GMG), has acquired Royal Sporting House (RSH), one of the largest multi-brand sports retailers in Southeast Asia. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The GMG Sports division has expanded, over the last four decades, from a single retail store in Dubai to over 300 stores in 18 cities across six countries to become the largest sports retailer in the MENA region, according to a press release. The GMG Sports portfolio includes homegrown brands such as Sun and Sand Sports. It is also a distributor for global brands including Nike, Columbia, Timberland, and Vans.

Founded in 1977 in Singapore, Royal Sporting House’s portfolio includes apparel, footwear and accessories from brands including Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Under Armour, Speedo, and Saucony.

Through the RSH acquisition, GMG Sports plans to increase its presence in the Gulf and enter some of the largest markets in Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as Hong Kong and Egypt. The UAE-based holding company will now operate over 550 sports retail stores in 57 cities across 12 countries, including more than 1.9 million square feet of retail space, 10 warehouses and close to 8000 employees.

With its planned expanded presence, GMG Sports has the potential to reach more than 700 million consumers worldwide.

Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, Mohammad A. Baker, said: “The integration of RSH operations into the GMG network of stores further strengthens our leading position in sports retail across the MENA region, and allows us to reach hundreds of millions of potential new consumers across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Egypt. This expansion is a strategic step in taking our business and vision global.”

“Despite the significant disruptions to the global retail industry, the strength and resilience of GMG’s business strategy enabled us to overcome these challenges and double down on our expansion plans. At our core, we are a growth business with long-term global ambitions,” added Baker.

Photo courtesy RSH