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Fanatics acquires UK-based sports ecommerce firm Kitbag

08 Feb '16

2 min read

Fanatics, Inc., the leading provider of officially licensed sports merchandise, has completed the acquisition of Kitbag, a UK-based international sports ecommerce company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Findel plc.

The acquisition represents an important foundation for continued investment by Fanatics to grow the licensed sports merchandise business both in soccer and across all sports globally.

Kitbag also operates the ecommerce businesses for the NFL, NBA and NHL in Europe, which is synergistic with Fanatics' long-term partnerships with all major North America sports leagues. Kitbag also adds to Fanatics' leadership in the world of event and in-venue retail, bringing their expertise to leading sports venues, including Manchester City and Everton, and events such as the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup, according to a press release.

Doug Mack, CEO of Fanatics said, “We could not be more excited to work with the Kitbag team to build upon their multi-channel capabilities, expertise in soccer and strong portfolio of partners to accelerate both our US and international growth. Fanatics and Kitbag are a nearly perfect complement, creating a complete platform for sports fans, leagues, teams and manufacturers globally, which will grow the licensed sports industry.”

The many synergies between the two companies provides instant advantages to fans, leagues, teams, and sports brands worldwide, including global fulfilment and fan service infrastructure, joint assortment of licensed sports merchandise globally, leveraging web, mobile and technology best practices across all sites and partners, in-venue and event retail innovation, and unique ability to serve the rising popularity of both North American sports and European soccer with fans around the world.

Andy Anson, CEO of Kitbag said, “Kitbag and Fanatics are complementary businesses. Fanatics' focus has been to grow and develop business in North America, while the majority of Kitbag's presence is in Europe and the rest of the world. As a consequence, the globalisation of all the major sports we serve together creates significant opportunities for future growth and expansion.” (GK)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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Fanatics acquires UK-based sports ecommerce firm Kitbag

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