The Frasers Group has announced plans to acquire the Holdsport Group, a Southern Africa-based retail company owning Sportsmans Warehouse, Outdoor Ware
The Frasers Group has announced plans to acquire the Holdsport Group, a Southern Africa-based retail company owning Sportsmans Warehouse, Outdoor Warehouse, and Shelflife, among other brands. The purchase is from Old Mutual Private Equity (OMPE) and Holdsport’s management.
Frasers Group, known for UK chains like House of Fraser and Sports Direct, will utilize Holdsport as a springboard to expand its presence in Southern Africa. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the coming months, marking Frasers’ first venture into Southern Africa and highlighting its commitment to geographic and product range diversification.
Experience
Holdsport achieved sales exceeding R3 billion in the financial year ending February 2024, demonstrating strong profit growth and robust cash flow. It operates 88 stores across South Africa and Namibia, supported by a growing e-commerce presence.
Frasers plans to leverage Holdsport’s expertise, infrastructure, and established relationships with major international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Asics, Hoka, and Garmin, along with proprietary brands like First Ascent and Cape Storm.
The acquisition includes Holdsport’s advanced warehouses, local manufacturing facilities, and offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Frasers aims to expand the Sports Direct brand across the region and strengthen its global sport, fashion, and brand distribution operations.
Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition for Frasers’ international expansion and its ability to meet demand in a dynamically growing market. Bradley Moritz, CEO of Holdsport, expressed optimism about the partnership, citing Frasers’ innovation and global standing as complementary to Holdsport’s regional expertise.