UK's Frasers expands global footprint with acquisition of Holdsport

Holdsport, a diversified retailer operating in South Africa and Namibia, owns prominent brands such as Sportsmans Warehouse, Outdoor Warehouse, and Shelflife. The company recorded sales exceeding R3 billion (~$165.05 million) for the financial year ending February 2024, demonstrating strong profit growth and cash flow.

The acquisition strengthens Frasers Group’s presence in Southern Africa, leveraging Holdsport’s network of 88 stores and growing e-commerce platform to introduce the Sports Direct brand in the region. Frasers also plans to capitalise on Holdsport's established relationships with global brands like Nike, Adidas, ASICS, and Garmin, as well as its own local brands, including First Ascent and Cape Storm.

Holdsport’s infrastructure—modern warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town—adds to Frasers’ operational capabilities. This aligns with Frasers' strategy of enhancing its product range and geographic reach while tapping into Holdsport's expertise in the local market, the two companies said in a joint statement.

This acquisition follows Frasers' recent investment in Malta-based Hudson Group, a retail and distribution leader across Europe and North Africa.

“Holdsport has built an incredible brand and reputation across Southern Africa, and we see potential in combining their regional expertise and own brands with our scale and resources, establishing a strong platform for growth. This acquisition is a great step forward for us, not only in expanding our footprint but also in enhancing our ability to meet the rising demand for high-quality sporting goods in a region with such dynamic growth,” said Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group.

“The acquisition by Frasers, a well-respected global retailer, is a testament to the quality of the Holdsport offering and demonstrates confidence in the South African economy. Furthermore, the transaction reaffirms our expertise of investing alongside strong and aligned management teams in high quality businesses in order to inspire an ownership and growth mindset to achieve an attractive investment outcome for our investors, whilst ultimately ensuring the right home for the business and the management team,” said Jacci Myburgh and Chumani Kula, co-heads of Old Mutual Private Equity.

Bradley Moritz, Holdsport, CEO, commented: “Frasers is a natural home for Holdsport, given their passion for sport, outdoor, brands and their focus on customer service and innovation. I look forward to the energy and creativity that the combined businesses will bring, and I have no doubt that with Frasers' skills, resources and innovation, Holdsport will grow from strength to strength.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)