SDI USA LLC, part of Sports Direct International Plc, announced that it had completed the acquisition of Bob’s Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS).

“We are excited to expand our presence in the United States via the acquisition of Bob’s Stores and EMS. Adding these reputable and established retailers to Sports Direct’s portfolio of holdings in the U.S. will afford us a strong platform with which to rapidly expand our store and web presence, in this critically important market,” noted a Company representative.

The coming months will be marked by an expansion of product lines available in the U.S. stores and websites, including the U.S. debut of an extensive portfolio of European brands at exceptional value. SDI will honor Gift Cards and unexpired Member Rewards that pre-dated the acquisition and will enhance the Member Rewards program by offering member-only offers.

SDI will initially operate approximately 50 brick and mortar stores in the Northeastern U.S., five EMS outdoor adventure schools, plus ems.com and bobstores.com. A full listing of the stores and schools are available on the respective websites.

Sports Direct is the U.K.’s largest sporting goods retailer, operating almost 800 stores across the UK, continental Europe and Asia. Additionally, the Company operates Premium Lifestyle and Outdoor divisions and owns a portfolio of over 30 globally recognized brands, including Slazenger, Everlast, Lonsdale, Karrimor, No Fear and Kangol.

Eastern Outfitters LLC, the parent of EMS and Bob’s Stores, entered bankruptcy proceedings in early February. The company closed 27 EMS and 21 Bob’s Stores locations in the process.

At the same time that Eastern Outfitters filed for bankruptcy on February 6, Sports Direct committed to serve as the stalking horse bidder for its assets at a bankruptcy auction. Sports Direct also agreed to purchase second lien debt from Versa, which had acquired the company out of bankruptcy proceedings last year, as well as to fund the bankruptcy financing the chapter 11 case.

Eastern Outfitters has said the last-minute agreement with Sports Direct was the only deal available to avert an all-out liquidation.

Photo courtesy EMS