REUTERS: Fanatics Inc Bets on Italian Soccer with EPI Deal

U.S. sports merchandise retailer Fanatics Inc will run the official online stores of Italy's national soccer team and seven Serie A teams, through its acquisition of sports e-commerce firm EPI, its first foray into the Italian market.

The deal, announced by the companies on Wednesday, will also see Fanatics take over the running of in-stadium stores for AC Milan, Inter Milan, Fiorentina, and Bologna.

Fanatics makes and sells licensed merchandise for the National Football League, National Hockey League, and Major League Baseball in the U.S. and has been growing in Britain and Europe since buying British sports retailer Kitbag in 2016.

"Serie A has so many successful teams that I think are essential to have as part of a global partner roster," said Doug Mack, chief executive of Fanatics Commerce and vice-chairman of Fanatics.

EPI, previously owned by Italian private equity firm Quadrivio Group's "Industry 4.0" fund, runs the official online stores of AC Milan, Atalanta, Bologna, Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Juventus, Lazio, and Italy's national soccer federation FIGC…