Japanese PE firm Advantage Partners acquires sports equipment retailer Ishii Sports

By Ishita Russell

March 5, 2016

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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Singapore Reporter/s

In Singapore, we are looking to double our reporting team by this year-end to comprehensively cover the fast-moving world of funded startups and VC, PE & M&A deals. We want reporters who can tell our readers what is really happening in these sectors and why it matters to markets, companies and consumers. The ability to write precisely and urgently is crucial for these roles. Ideal candidates must have to ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. We want our new hires to be digitally savvy and ready to experiment with new forms of storytelling. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-hitting reporters who work well in a team. Collaboration and collegiality are a must.

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Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).   

  • A reporter to track companies/startups that have raised private capital, and have the potential to become unicorns. SEA currently has over 40 companies with a valuation of over $100 million and under $1 billion.
  • A reporter who can get behind the scenes and reveal how funding rounds are put together, or why they’ve failed to materialise. She/he in this role will largely focus on long-format stories. 
  • A journalist to track special situations funds, distressed debt and private credit (from the PE angle) across Asia.
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Singapore Reporter/s

In Singapore, we are looking to double our reporting team by this year-end to comprehensively cover the fast-moving world of funded startups and VC, PE & M&A deals. We want reporters who can tell our readers what is really happening in these sectors and why it matters to markets, companies and consumers. The ability to write precisely and urgently is crucial for these roles. Ideal candidates must have to ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. We want our new hires to be digitally savvy and ready to experiment with new forms of storytelling. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-hitting reporters who work well in a team. Collaboration and collegiality are a must.

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).   

  • A reporter to track companies/startups that have raised private capital, and have the potential to become unicorns. SEA currently has over 40 companies with a valuation of over $100 million and under $1 billion.
  • A reporter who can get behind the scenes and reveal how funding rounds are put together, or why they’ve failed to materialise. She/he in this role will largely focus on long-format stories. 
  • A journalist to track special situations funds, distressed debt and private credit (from the PE angle) across Asia.
APPLY NOW