Anaconda Sports, one of the largest team dealers in the east coast, just became the latest dealer to be swallowed up by Genesco Inc. Terms were not disclosed.

Genesco said in a statement that the Anaconda Sports acquisition falls within the LIDS Team Sports
division and includes the Lake Katrine, New York-based corporate office,
distribution center, production assets. In addition, Anaconda Sports
operates a direct mail catalog business and e-commerce website
www.anacondasports.com that reaches a national customer base. It sells
to wholesalers, mass merchandisers and distributors. Anaconda Sports'
exclusive licensed properties include Babe Ruth League of North America,
Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Police Athletic League, Men's
Senior/Adult Baseball League and Senior Softball USA.

On its Q2 conference call, Genesco officials noted that combining Anaconda with its first-quarter purchase of Brand Innovators on the west coast, Genesco said it now has a team sales presence in 43 states and the potential to build that presence out to 49 states.

“Once we complete the realignment of these businesses, we feel there is very good upside potential for a major national player in this space,” said Bob Dennis, Genesco's CEO, on the call. “These two acquisitions solidify our position as the number two team dealer in the United States and provide a solid infrastructure on which to build a truly distinctive business.”

Genesco, which also owns the Journeys teen footwear chain and the Lids sports licensing apparel chain, has created the LIDS Team Sports division to support its growth in team sales. It also includes past acquisitions of Impact Sports and Great Plains Sports.

Anaconda also operates a number of microsites such as baberuthstore.com, batmilitia.com, naflstore.com, seniorsoftballstore.com  and umpstore.com

In the statement, Hat World, Inc.
President Kenneth J. Kocher, said, “The addition of Anaconda Sports is the latest example of LIDS' intent
to grow its brand through the team dealer channel. The diversity within the Anaconda Sports
business, its excellent reputation for the quality of its products and
services, and on-time delivery match up well with LIDS Team Sports'
existing initiatives.”

“Like our other strategic acquisitions, the Anaconda Sports business
model has proven to be successful with considerable growth potential,
and we are excited to add the Anaconda Sports team to the family of LIDS
brands,” said LIDS Team Sports President Clyde Roenbeck. “With the
addition of Anaconda Sports' successful catalog, e-commerce and
licensing properties, we remain steadfast in our goal to lead the effort
of bringing cohesion in the highly fragmented team dealer industry.”

“Anaconda Sports is excited about joining forces with Hat World, Inc.
and the LIDS Team Sports brand,” said Anaconda Sports Vice President
Bill Stote. “This is a great opportunity for our business and employees
to become part of this exciting and fast-growing organization. This new
phase in our business will allow us to expand while remaining committed
to servicing our current customer base. We look forward to the future
and becoming part of a dynamic family of companies that will reinvent
the team sports industry in a very positive way.”