Frasers Group Buys South Africa's Holdsport to Boost Regional Presence

AFRICAN STOCKS AND FINANCENovember 28, 2024 at 12:47 PM UTC

TLDR

Frasers Group acquires Holdsport, a top South African sporting and outdoor goods company, from Old Mutual Private Equity
Holdsport boasts 88 stores in South Africa and Namibia, including Sportsmans Warehouse, Outdoor Warehouse, and Shelflife
Acquisition aims to enhance Frasers' Sports Direct brand in Southern Africa, utilizing Holdsport’s retail network, local manufacturing, and distribution capabilities

UK-based Frasers Group has acquired Holdsport, a leading South African sporting and outdoor goods company, from Old Mutual Private Equity and management.

Holdsport operates 88 stores across South Africa and Namibia, including Sportsmans Warehouse, Outdoor Warehouse, and Shelflife, as well as wholesale, manufacturing, distribution, and e-commerce operations. For the fiscal year ending February 2024, the business generated over ZAR 3 billion ($165 million) in sales.

This acquisition bolsters Frasers’ strategy to expand its Sports Direct brand in Southern Africa, leveraging Holdsport’s established retail network, local manufacturing, and distribution infrastructure. It follows Frasers’ investment in Hudson Group, which operates in 36 countries across Europe and North Africa.

You can follow Daba’s reporting on Africa on WhatsApp. Sign up here

Key Takeaways

Frasers Group’s acquisition of Holdsport underscores its confidence in South Africa’s retail market and the potential for growth in sporting and outdoor goods. The deal reflects a strategic approach to leveraging established local expertise and infrastructure while extending the group’s global footprint. This move aligns with Frasers’ broader growth ambitions in emerging markets.

Finance

Private Equity

South Africa

Old Mutual

Frasers Group

Holdsport

Acquisition