Golfsmith International, Inc. plans to expand its reach into Australia and New Zealand in a new alliance aimed at growing its key proprietary brands that include MacGregor, Lynx and Maggie Lane. The licensing and distribution partnership with Walkinshaw Sports is the first step in a global expansion strategy aimed at forming partnerships around the world to build, manage and market Golfsmith's proprietary brands.
The partnership includes a five-year distribution agreement that will allow Walkinshaw to distribute MacGregor Golf equipment throughout the on-course and off-course specialty retail channels in Australia and New Zealand, and a five-year licensing agreement for Lynx and Maggie Lane. Golfsmith's new alliance will allow the company to grow its brands, but also to reinvest those licensing revenues back into its core U.S. business where the company focuses its efforts and continues to gain momentum and market share.
“We are very excited about this new partnership with Walkinshaw Sports to bring our MacGregor, Lynx and Maggie Lane brands to Australia and New Zealand golfers,” said Marty Hanaka, Golfsmith's President and CEO. “In addition to building our brands and our buying power we're also monetizing these assets to benefit our business here in the United States. The Walkinshaw team has the talent and experience to make this a long and profitable relationship for both companies.”
“Walkinshaw is absolutely delighted to partner with the U.S.'s largest specialty golf retailer in Golfsmith. They are a quality organization delivering superior products and services to its trade and consumer customers alike,” said Ivan Krizman, Walkinshaw's Managing Director. “Together with Golfsmith we are absolutely committed to this agreement by launching a strong assortment of golf brands and products throughout the Pacific Region.”
Golfsmith operates 76 stores across the United States.
