Vital Apparel Group last week acquired InSport International in a move that gives the women’s fitness apparel company a solid foothold in the running and cycling business. Terms of the deal with were not disclosed. Vital, a privately-held company based out of Huntington Station, NY, will now have a presence in InSport’s hometown of Beaverton, Ore. as well. InSport has 22 employees and Vital boasts another 85 employees.

Earlier this year, Vital purchased the assets of Promarx Specialties USA, Inc.

Kerry Kligerman, president and CEO of Vital Apparel, will remain in that post under the new structure that will see InSport International function as a subsidiary of Vital. Eric Merk, InSport’s president, will continue to lead the company his family acquired in 1996.

Vital Apparel is estimated to have annual sales north of $30 million, while InSport International is estimated to see 2005 sales in the $10 million to $12 million range.

The deal will enable InSport to benefit from Vital’s off-shore sourcing, while Vital may be able to utilize InSport’s domestic contract production in the Northwest. Kligerman said he expects to continue expansion of InSport’s business with the U.S. military, which requires domestic production.

In a letter to employees, Merk said the deal was a win for both parties and would strengthen their efficiency, while “opening new sales and sourcing avenues in the global market.”