Sport Group, which includes brands like Polytan, Astroturf, SYNLawn, LigaTurf, Poligras, Rekortan and Laykold, has been acquired by KPS Capital Partners.
The Berlin-based company operates in over 70 countries and has more than 1,900 employees. It has nine vertically integrated manufacturing facilities and 31 distribution centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions.
Raquel Vargas Palmer, Managing Partner of KPS, said, “We are thrilled to acquire Sport Group, a global industry leading provider of artificial surfaces. Sport Group is the only vertically integrated manufacturer of artificial turf and polyurethane artificial surfaces products, with capabilities across the value-chain (design, manufacturing, installation and recycling) and with a manufacturing presence on three continents. We look forward to partnering with Sport Group’s talented employees and senior management team, to build upon this iconic platform. We will leverage KPS’ decades of manufacturing expertise and provide strategic support and capital to accelerate the Company’s value creation opportunities. Sport Group’s unparalleled brand portfolio, commitment to quality and industry leading R&D capabilities provides an ideal foundation for future growth – both organically and through a global acquisition strategy.”
Christoph von Nitzsch, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Group, said, “The Sport Group team is excited to begin this new chapter for the Company. Together with KPS’ tremendous track record of manufacturing excellence and investing in leading branded products in the athletics sector, we are now positioned to take Sport Group to the next level of industry leadership, delivering unparalleled quality, service and innovative products to our customers. Under KPS’ ownership, we will accelerate a range of growth and operational initiatives to build upon our rich history.”
Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to KPS. Houlihan Lokey and William Blair served as financial advisors and Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal counsel to Sport Group’s shareholders.