Frasers Group plc

Acquisition Completion

Frasers Group plc today announces that, further to the announcement made on 26 November 2024, it has completed the acquisition of Holdsport following the satisfaction of customary regulatory conditions.

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About Frasers Group plc

Frasers Group started as a small store in Maidenhead in 1982 and from there, grew to become a global powerhouse. As the business evolved, 2019 saw the rebrand of Sports Direct International to Frasers Group plc; a reflection of the Group's growth and change in market identity.

Led by Chief Executive Michael Murray, the business is set on a formidable upwards trajectory as it continues to expand with its pioneering approach to retail. Frasers Group provides consumers with access to the world's best Sports, Premium and Luxury brands with a vision to build the planet's most admired and compelling brand ecosystem.

As a leader in the industry, Frasers Group is committed to rethinking retail by driving digital innovation and providing unique store experiences to its consumers globally.

About Old Mutual Private Equity

Old Mutual Private Equity, part of Old Mutual Alternative Investments, is one of the largest and most established private equity managers in South Africa with a 24-year heritage of being a significant investor in privately owned businesses across key industries and sectors. OMPE has invested in some of South Africa's strongest private businesses, including Actom, Tourvest, Ti-Auto, Primedia, In2Food and 10x. We have deployed more than R12 billion across 37 transactions, delivering R34 billion in value, including R21.5 billion across 26 exits and R12.4 billion in remaining value.  OMPE has also been involved in some of the landmark private equity transactions in South Africa over the years, including some of the largest PE delistings from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (Pepkor, Consol Glass, Long4Life) and some of the largest PE exits, including the IPO of Life Healthcare. OMPE is currently raising and deploying its sixth fund, OMPE Fund VI.

About Holdsport Group

Holdsport is the leading specialist sports and outdoor goods retailer in South Africa, trading countrywide through the well-known Sportsmans Warehouse and Outdoor Warehouse brands. The stores are modern, offering both international and local brands and providing technical expertise to customers. With a longstanding reputation in the South African market, the group has a large loyal customer base and a strong brand presence. Holdsport also holds a specialty sneaker and apparel retailer, Shelflife, in its portfolio.

Holdsport's portfolio of assets also includes Performance Brands, a wholesale, manufacturing and distribution business focused on the sport, outdoor and recreation sectors. The group designs and manufactures its own brands and, additionally, is the Southern African representative for a number of leading international sport equipment brands.

Holdsport was previously listed on the JSE during the years 2011-2017 and was a subsidiary of Long4Life from 2017 to 2022 which was also listed on the JSE and was subsequently delisted by Old Mutual Private Equity in 2022.