While the active lifestyle industry again saw a number of smaller to medium-size acquisitions during 2024, major deals for the second year in a row were few and far between due to a combination of higher interest rates, an uncertain economy, and fewer consolidators.
In many cases, firms that had been consolidators in the past became bigger sellers than buyers due to internal challenges or changes in corporate direction.
Even as the year came to a close deals were getting struck or getting closed – even on Christmas Eve.
Below is the list of M&A transactions SGB Media reported in the second half of 2024. Select the headline to read the full article.
July 2024
- Alterra’s Schweitzer Operation Acquires Selkirk Powder Business
Selkirk Powder’s guided backcountry snowmobile and cat ski operation operates adjacent to Schweitzer with an additional 4,350 acres of skiable terrain from the backside of the resort. - Report: Decathlon in Talks to Acquire Stake in Spain’s Tradeinn
The e-tailer, based in Spain near Girona, sells sports equipment and clothing online via about 20 specialist sites, including Diveinn for diving, Goalinn for football, Trekkinn for outdoor equipment, and Smashinn for tennis and padel. - JD Sports Completes Acquisition of Hibbett Sports
Hibbett is now part of JD and will cease to be a stand-alone publicly traded company. Mike Longo will continue as Hibbett’s president and CEO; Jared Briskin is now chief operating officer. - Fitness International Acquires XSport Fitness
The operator of LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio brands announced its acquisition of XSport Fitness, expanding its offerings in Chicago, New York and Virginia markets. - SilencerCo Set to Acquire Zev Technologies
SilencerCo said it will be hyper-focused on furthering Zev’s brand and bringing additional resources for Zev-specific product launches and innovation. - Concert Golf Partners Acquires TPC Jasna Polana
Jasna Polana boasts an immense history, from its ties to the Piasecka Johnson family to its role in professional golf as a past host of the PGA Tour Champions and the classic Wonderful World of Golf match between Tom Watson and Hal Sutton. - American Exchange Group Acquires Island Surf Company
Island Surf Company will become a division of White Mountain Footwear, a brand that American Exchange acquired in January 2023. Joe O’Brien will reportedly continue to lead the Island Surf Company brand. - GameAbove Sports Acquires Fourth Founding Big3 Expansion Team
GameAbove Sports announcement follows the purchase of rights to the LA, Miami and Houston Big3 franchises earlier this year. The league is in the fifth week of Big3’s seventh season, which continues to tour nationwide via linear, streaming and digital platforms.
August 2024
- BSN Sports Gets a New Parent as KKR Closes Varsity Sports Acquisition
As the new majority owner of Varsity Brands, KKR said it will support the company as it continues to grow its business. KKR said it is making this investment primarily through its North America Fund XIII. - Unified Commerce Group Acquires Greats Brand, Invests in Retailer Böhme
Greats, founded in 2014 in Brooklyn, NY, is known for its DTC footwear model. It has now become the third brand in UCG’s portfolio. The company also reported investing in Utah-based womenswear retailer Böhme, founded in 2006 by Vivien and Fernanda Böhme. - Lolë Brands Acquires Sanuk Footwear from Deckers Brands
Katie Pruitt, who has worked for Deckers for nearly 13 years, including four years with Sanuk, was appointed VP and general manager of Sanuk at Lolë Brands. - Extraordinary Brands Acquires Franchisor Neighborhood Barre
The parent of the Pūrvelo Cycle, Eat the Frog Fitness and Row House has acquired Neighborhood Barre, marking the fourth boutique fitness brand to join the fitness consolidator. - New Era Completes Acquisition of ’47 Brand
The combined company, comprising two family-founded brands, is expected to generate approximately $2 billion in annual revenue and deliver an expanded and diversified product portfolio of apparel and accessories globally. - FCS Parent Acquires MFC Hawaii
The combined companies, MFC Hawaii and Australia-based FCS, will strive to drive advancements in fin technology. The acquisition will also allow FCS to expand into various watersports and utilize MFC’s manufacturing capabilities and distribution network. - Under Armour Acquires Unless; Taps Eric Liedtke as Brand Strategy Chief
The appointment of Adidas brand veteran Eric Liedtke as EVP of brand strategy follows the completion of UA’s acquisition of Unless Collective, Inc., a zero-plastic regenerative fashion brand. The transaction is expected to be completed later this week.
September 2024
- Off-White Brand Acquired by Bluestar Alliance from LVMH
Founded in 2012 by Virgil Abloh, Off-White manufactures seasonal men’s and women’s clothing, objects, furniture, and publications in Milan, Italy, with a global perspective on design and trends for youth culture. - HanesBrands Completes Sale of Champion Business to Authentic
HanesBrands, Inc. completed the sale of the intellectual property and certain operating assets of its global Champion business to Authentic Brands Group. - Fairfax to Acquire Controlling Ownership of Peak Achievement Athletics
In 2017, Fairfax and Sagard purchased Peak, a portfolio of global brands, including Bauer, Cascade and Maverik. With its roots starting in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1927, Bauer Hockey manufactures hockey equipment and apparel. Cascade Lacrosse and Maverik Lacrosse manufacture lacrosse head protection and equipment. - Iconix Completes Acquisition of Salt Life in Bankruptcy Proceedings
Iconix International Inc., in partnership with the Hilco Consumer-Retail Group (HCR), has completed its acquisition of the Salt Life apparel brand for $38.74 million after previous owner Delta Apparel, Inc. filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late June. All 28 of Salt Life’s stores will close as the new ownership transitions the business to a wholesale and e-commerce business model. - L Catterton Acquires Majority Stake in Solidcore Fitness Studios
The investment firm has acquired Solidcore, a national network of fitness studios providing targeted strength training on custom-built reformers, from VMG Partners, Kohlberg & Company and Peterson Partners. - Omega Fitness and Rainier Partners Acquire MDS Fitness Gyms in Wisconsin
The acquisition of MDS’s Wisconsin assets strengthens Omega Fitness, the second largest Anytime Fitness platform in the U.S., remaining consistent with the company’s focus on establishing geographic density in select markets. - Bicycle Transit Systems to Acquire BCycle from Trek
The acquisition, expected to close in October, will allow Bicycle Transit Systems to expand mobility options in cities nationwide with solutions for building, installing and managing docked e-bike share. - Giant Group Subsidiary Acquires Stages Cycling Assets Out of Chapter 11
SPIA Cycling, Inc., a subsidiary of Taiwan-based The Giant Group, has acquired key assets of the Stages Cycling brand from its owner companies, some of which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June. - Easy Mile Fitness Enters Oregon with Acquisition of Nine Planet Fitness Locations
The privately held Planet Fitness franchisee has acquired nine Planet Fitness locations in Oregon from the Lubrano Franchise Group (OKTA Holdings). - Lolë Brands Acquires Garneau, Sugoi and Sombrio Brands
The move to acquire Louis Garneau Sports comes one month after Lolë Brands acquired the Sanuk business from Deckers Brands, a little over a year following its acquisition of Époque Évolution and four years since filing for bankruptcy in Canada. - Brunswick-Owned Boat Club Acquires South Florida Franchise Operation
This acquisition adds to Freedom’s corporate presence in Southeast Florida, boosting operational efficiencies. Since Brunswick acquired Freedom Boat Club in 2019, the company has expanded from 170 locations to over 415 worldwide. - Snow Peak Acquires Majority Stake in Swift Fly Fishing Co.
Founded by Carl McNeil and Jeanie Ackley, Swift Fly Fishing, headquartered in Wanaka, New Zealand, manufactures the Epic Fly Rod brand that uses graphite, graphene and Epic’s proprietary “Fast Glass” composite material to create the rods. - SMBGolf Acquires IGDB, Enhances Data Accuracy
The company remarked that this “is a pivotal moment for SMBGolf and Apparation as they merge resources and expertise to create a more valuable golf course and people database for the golf industry.” - Currex and Powerstep Parent Acquired by Private Investment Firm
Bansk Group has acquired Foundation Wellness, the parent company of Powerstep, Currex, Foot Petals, Flat Socks, Doctor Hoys, and other branded footcare-focused product companies from Gridiron Capital. - Mountain Warehouse Approved as Winning Bidder in EMS Asset Sale
The terms of the pre-arranged stalking-horse bidder deal, initially said to be around $5 million, came in at double that amount. Mountain Warehouse will continue operating seven stores under the Eastern Mountain Sports name.
October 2024
- Hipcamp Acquires BookOutdoors
Campsite booking platform Hipcamp announced the acquisition of BookOutdoors, an online travel booking platform for campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, and glamping resorts. - HealthFitness Acquires Corporate Fitness Works
The provider of fitness, wellness and injury prevention programs owned by Trustmark has acquired Corporate Fitness Works, delivering custom onsite and virtual fitness management solutions. - World Gym International Acquired by World Gym Taiwan
John Caraccio, chairman of WFS, will serve as interim CEO of World Gym International, while Michael Sanciprian, former CEO of WFS, will be the company’s executive director. - Luth-AR Acquires Acro Machine
Luth-AR, a manufacturer of AR-15 firearms and firearm components based in Buffalo, MN, has purchased all the assets of Acro Machine, Inc., including several CNC turning and milling machines and all fixtures, programs, designs, and knowledge. - Modern America Campgrounds Acquires Thomas Point Beach & Campground
Thomas Point Beach was started in 1956 by Harry and Marion Crooker. The 80-acre Oceanside Park was owned and operated by the family until it was sold. Modern America was selected to purchase the property because it intends to carry on its legacy. - Concert Golf Partners Acquires Golf Club of the Everglades
Rees Jones-designed golf club in Naples, FL is the 35th private facility nationwide to join Concert Golf’s portfolio. The Club is private, members-only. - Garmin Ltd. Acquires Marine LED Lighting Company Lumishore
The privately-held company has manufactured LED lighting systems used on various vessels, from runabouts to superyachts, for over 15 years. Financial terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed. - Cox Enterprises Acquires Loop Tackle
Loop Tackle owns and manages Atlantic salmon rivers and invests in conservation, science and education. Cox Enterprises acquisition is expected to better position Loop Tackle, in business for over 40 years, to expand its offerings of sustainable products. - Pajar Canada Acquires Cougar Shoes
Cougar Shoes Co-owner and President Steve Sedlbauer said that the company had experienced financial struggles in recent years due to disruption caused by the pandemic and milder winters in key regions. - Mountain Trade Network Acquires London Snow Show Brand
Mountain Trade Network, owners of the Listex, Listex Luxury and Sastex B2B trade shows, has acquired the London Snow Show brand from Raccoon Media Group, marking a milestone in the future of the UK snow sports industry. - Sony Expands Sports Data Business with KinaTrax Acquisition
Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and NCAA member organizations use KinaTrax camera systems in over 75 stadiums and labs with expansion into other sports leagues. The technology collects biomechanics data from pitchers and hitters in baseball. - TrueTimber Acquires Blizzard Buddy; Integrates Tech into Current Offerings
By joining TrueTimber, Blizzard Buddy will have access to additional resources and a broader distribution network. - Optima Cycles Acquires Dolly Bikes
Amsterdam-based e-bike and e-cargo bike manufacturer Optima Cycles strengthens its position in the growing e-cargo bike market, acquiring the Dolly Bikes e-cargo bike brand based in Utrecht, Netherlands. - Sports Direct Parent Acquires Minority Stake in Online Retailer THG
Frasers Group, the parent of Sports Direct, purchased a £10 million ($13 million) stake in THG, formerly The Hut Group. The fundraising will enable the online retailer to spin off its unprofitable tech unit, Ingenuity. - Mytheresa to Acquire Yoox Net-a-Porter from Richemont
Richemont will sell YNAP to Mytheresa with a cash position of €555m and no financial debt, subject to customary closing adjustments. The transaction will create a multi-brand digital group. The closing of the transaction is expected to be in H1 2025. - S&S Activewear Completes Acquisition of Alphabroder
S&S Activewear completed the purchase of Alphabroder, uniting two branded apparel distributors to support customers and suppliers across corporate and consumer markets. - 26North Acquires Onelife Fitness
Onelife Fitness was acquired by 26North from Delos Capital. The fitness company has locations across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S. - Fanatics Acquires European Sports Collectibles Live Selling Platform
Fanatics, Inc. announced that it has acquired Voggt, a European live-commerce platform that sells sports collectibles and trading card games. Voggt will join Fanatics Live, launched in 2023, a Fanatics-based digital marketplace similarly focused on sports trading cards and memorabilia. - GSM Outdoors Acquisition by Platinum Equity is Final
GSM Outdoors, headquartered in Irving, TX, owns over 50 outdoor brands. Previous owner Gridiron Capital acquired GSM in 2020. CEO Eddie Castro will continue to lead the company. - GSM Outdoors Acquires Roboworm
Roboworm has produced millions of bass worms. “When you think of impactful soft plastic brands in the bass fishing space, you can’t have the conversation without talking about Roboworm.” - CCM Hockey Agrees to Acquisition by European PE Firm Altor
The Canadian equipment brand owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners agreed to be acquired by the Swedish private equity firm Altor. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024. - Supreme Acquisition by Oakley Parent Closes
EssilorLuxottica closed the previously announced transaction to acquire the Supreme brand from VF Corp. for an aggregate base purchase price of $1.5 billion in cash. - Compass Diversified Acquires Lifoam Industries
Compass Diversified announced that its subsidiary, Altor Solutions, completed its acquisition of Lifoam Industries, LLC. - CheaperThanDirt Acquired by 2A Group
Based in Fort Worth, TX, the CheaperThanDirt.com brand offers a wide range of ammunition, shooting accessories and outdoor gear. It began as a mail-order catalog business in the early 1990s. - GSM Outdoors Acquires K&E Tackle
The company continues to grow its portfolio by acquiring K&E Tackle, whose brands include Stopper Lures, Carlisle Floats, Bear Creek, Best Tackle, and Arnold Tackle.
November 2024
- Vista Completes Ammo Segment Sale; Revelyst Sale Set for January Close
The sale of The Kinetic Group to Czechoslovak Group a.s. has been completed. The company’s Outdoor Products segment, also known as “Revelyst,” will begin trading on the NYSE on November 27 under the ticker “GEAR”. - Sports Direct Parent Set to Acquire South Africa’s Holdsport Group
Frasers Group, the parent of UK-based Sports Direct, has closed on an agreement to acquire South Africa-based Holdsport Group from Old Mutual Private Equity and Holdsport’s management. - Protective Industrial Products Acquires Honeywell’s PPE Business
PIP’s industry-leading brands include PIP, G-Tek, Boss, Bouton Optical, Grippaz, Bisley Workwear, and licensed PPE brands Puma Safety Footwear. - Modern America Campgrounds Acquires NH Campground with Four More in Pipeline
The largest RV park owner in the Northeast has acquired Winding River Campground in Exeter, NH. The company said the deal marks its 29th park acquisition in the last 24 months, with plans for 33 locations by the beginning of the 2025 season. - Alterra Mountain Company Closes on A-Basin Acquisition
Alan Henceroth, A-Basin’s chief operating officer who has been with A-Basin for 36 years and has driven the mountain’s unique culture, will continue to lead the resort and oversee operations with his longtime team. - Camping World Holdings to Acquire Seven Lazydays Dealerships
Camping World estimated that the seven locations generated nearly $200 million of revenue on a trailing twelve-month basis during a tough RV market. - Blink Fitness Receives Court Approval for Sale
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved the sale of its corporate operations and New York and New Jersey locations to PureGym. On November 7, 2024, the Court also approved the sale of Blink’s Chicago, Houston and California locations to a JTRE Holdings, LLC affiliate. - Thule Group Set to Acquire Aussie Phone Mount Company
Australia-based Quad Lock is expected to strengthen Thule Group’s position in the Asia-Pacific region, increasing the share of Thule’s sales from ~5 percent to 10 percent. DTC sales will increase from ~7 percent to 15 percent of sales. - 1440 Foods Acquires Fitcrunch, CEO Assumes Same Role at 1440
Founded in 2012 by Bakery Barn and celebrity chef Robert Irvine, Fitcrunch manufactures high-protein snacks catering to consumers with active lifestyles. Fitcrunch CEO Patrick Cornacchiulo will become the CEO of 1440. - M&W Design Acquires Travel Posters
Travel Posters will continue to operate under its name and its existing website, TravelPosters.com, with uninterrupted service. M&W said this new collection further enriches its portfolio and aligns with its values. - GSM Outdoors Acquires Northland Fishing Tackle
The Northland deal is the third since Platinum Equity closed on acquiring GSM Outdoors from Gridiron Capital in early October. GSM acquired Roboworm and K&E Tackle in early October. - Ōura Acquires Sparta Science
Integrating the technology, Oura expects the insights will add another level of support for its corporate wellness, healthcare and government clients.
December 2024
- JD Sports Completes Acquisition of Largest Sneaker Retailer in France
The company completed its acquisition of Groupe Courir S.A.S. following receipt of conditional clearance from the European Commission on October 22, 2024, and the satisfaction of all other outstanding conditions. - G3 Genuine Guide Gear Acquired Out of Receivership
In August 2024, Deloitte Restructuring, Inc. (DRI) was appointed by the Supreme Court of British Columbia as the receiver, without security, of certain G3 assets. The Court approved an Asset Purchase Agreement with Canadawide Sports on November 8. - Blue Water Acquires Santee Lakes KOA Journey
Rafael Correa, president of Blue Water Development, said, “By investing in significant property enhancements at Santee Lakes KOA Journey, we aim to provide even greater value for our guests and make this picturesque resort a standout destination.” - Marriott International Acquires Postcard Cabins and Trailborn
Marriott has expanded its outdoor-focused lodging offerings through two founding deals in the outdoor lodging segment, acquiring the Postcard Cabins brand, formerly Getaway Outposts, and signing a long-term agreement with Trailborn. - Troon Acquires the Club at Cordillera in Colorado
The Club at Cordillera is one of the largest golf communities in North America, with over 7,000 acres in Colorado’s Vail Valley, 120 miles west of Denver. - Black Diamond Parent Adds to Adventure Segment, Acquires RockyMounts
The RockyMounts deal is the first acquisition in the Adventure segment since Clarus acquired Tred Outdoors in October 2023. Transaction terms were not disclosed. Cash on hand funded the deal. - TaylorMade Golf Acquires Logan Olson
In working with TaylorMade’s team of designers, Logan Olson will continue developing his Craft Batch putters and custom designs and expand his presence on professional golf tours worldwide. - Helen of Troy Completes Acquisition of Olive & June
The parent of Osprey and Hydro Flask intends to update its outlook for fiscal 2025 to include the incremental impact of Olive & June in conjunction with the third quarter earnings release on January 9, 2025. - Five Iron Golf Acquires Thr3 Jack in Minneapolis’ North Loop
Now open, the new location offers golfers the opportunity to practice, improve and play iconic courses, including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, regardless of the weather or time of year, with Trackman simulators. - AstroTurf Corporation Acquires Coast to Coast Turf
Coast to Coast Turf’s operations and leadership, including Founder and President Steve Webb, will continue post-transaction and partner with AstroTurf to support future growth. - Heritage Golf Group Expands Organization, Acquires Two North Carolina Golf Clubs
The owner and operator of private country clubs and high-end daily-fee courses across the U.S. has acquired Wilmington, NC-based Compass Pointe Golf Club and Magnolia Greens Golf Club. The clubs represent Heritage’s 7th and 8th acquisitions in 2024, bringing its total club count to 41. - Fairfax Closes Transaction for Bauer Hockey Parent Peak Achievement Athletics
Peak announced in September Fairfax’s plan to acquire the remaining equity of Peak not owned by Fairfax, giving it control of the company. The deal includes Bauer Hockey, Cascade Lacrosse and Maverik Lacrosse. - Nordstrom Family and Mexico-Based Partner Acquire Nordstrom Business for $6.25B
The company has signed a definitive agreement under which Erik Nordstrom, Pete Nordstrom and Jamie Nordstrom, and other members of the Nordstrom family will own 50.1 percent, and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. (Liverpool), will own 49.9 percent of Nordstrom, Inc. - Saks Global Completes Acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group
The company announced on Christmas Eve that it had finalized its acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) for a total enterprise value of $2.7 billion. Marc Metrick will serve as CEO of Saks Global Operating Group, and Ian Putnam will serve as CEO of Saks Global Properties & Investments.
SGB Media will continue to update the headlines if any deals arise before the end of 2024.
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See below for additional SGB Media coverage of M&A activity in the first half of 2024.
