Japanese private equity firm Advantage Partners has acquired Tokyo-based sports equipment retailer Ishii Sports for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition will help support the revenue growth of Ishii Sports and strengthen of the management foundation of the company contributing to the persistent growth, the company said in a release.
Ishii, which was founded in 1964, sells its sports equipment online as well as through a chain of 32 retail stores in Japan. The products are focused on outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering and canoeing supplies. Along with its self branded products it also sells other big brands including The North Face and Nordica.
The company also offers related services such as equipment repair and training.
Established in December 1992, Advantage, focuses on acquisitions, growth capital, privatization and turnaround opportunities in Japan, China and South Korean markets. Its investment portfolio lists just under 50 companies so far, according to information available on the PE firm’s website.
Of the total it has invested in around a dozen retail and distribution companies including Ray Cassin, FMI Corp, Credge Ltd and Actus Corp among others.
As per reports, Advantage is currently investing out of a $200 million bridge fund that closed in 2013. It is also reportedly raising a new flagship fund – and a $400 million fund for investments outside Japan.
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