Fanatics completed the acquisition of Fexpro, a wholesaler of licensed sports and branded apparel in Latin America.
Headquartered in Panama with a presence across Latin America, Fexpro is a preferred licensee for several major U.S. sports leagues in the region, including the NFL, NBA and MLB. The business also works with international soccer clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and sportswear brand Umbro.
Fanatics’ addition of Fexpro strengthens the organization’s capabilities and footprint across Latin America. Fexpro joins the Fanatics Brands division within Fanatics Commerce. The company’s 100-plus employees will continue to report to CEO Alberto Bassan, who will report to Joe Monahan, global president of Fanatics Brands.
Through the acquisition, Fexpro will continue to grow its wholesale business in the region to include rights expansion, in-market sales and increased manufacturing and distribution.
Speaking on the deal, Monahan said, “We are thrilled to welcome Fexpro to the growing Fanatics family. Alberto and the team have built a strong wholesale business that complements many of Fanatics Brands’ capabilities that have been scaled globally over the past decade.”
He added, “Fexpro has a proven track record of strong distribution capabilities across multiple channels and retailers in the region, reaching more than 2,400 retail doors throughout Latin America. The company provides Fanatics with a solid framework for additional wholesale growth as we continually look to expand our international footprint, for the benefit of our global partners and sports fans around the world.”
Bassan said: “This deal marks a fantastic opportunity for us to further grow our business and better serve our partners with the support of a global company that has continually innovated for sports fans over the past decade.
“Fanatics has transformed the way quality fan gear and apparel is designed, manufactured, and delivered through its innovative vertical commerce model. With access to Fanatics’ capabilities, global infrastructure, and unparalleled relationships across the world of sport, we will be able to provide value for our partners like never before.”
With this acquisition, Fanatics continues its international growth. Earlier this year, the company acquired Italian omnichannel sports retailer EPI, which operates the retail and third-party logistics for many of Italy’s leading football clubs, including Inter Milan, Juventus, A.C. Milan, and the Italian National Football Team.
