Fanatics Acquires Leading International Sports eCommerce Company
Acquisition of Kitbag Accelerates Fanatics’ Soccer Business and Global Expansion
SILICON VALLEY, CA – February 2, 2016 – Fanatics, Inc., the leading provider of officially licensed sports merchandise, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Kitbag, a UK-based international sports eCommerce company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Findel plc. This 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.
A multi-channel company across the UK, Europe and international markets, Kitbag runs its own site (kitbag.com) and also operates the online and retail business for more than 25 partners across European soccer, motorsports, rugby, tennis and golf. Kitbag’s relationships with top sports brands include Manchester United, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton, Leicester Tigers, Borussia Dortmund, French Open at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Formula 1.
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.
“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 U.S. and international growth,” said Doug Mack, CEO of Fanatics. “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 fulfillment and fan service infrastructure
The broadest 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
Unique ability to serve the rising popularity of both North American sports and European soccer with fans around the world.
“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,” said Andy Anson, CEO of Kitbag. “As a consequence, the globalization of all the major sports we serve together creates significant opportunities for future growth and expansion.”