Private equity firm buys Ishii Sports

March 7, 2016

Japanese private equity firm Advantage Partners has acquired Tokyo-based sports equipment retailer Ishii Sports for an undisclosed amount.

In a release, Advantage Partners says the acquisition will help support the revenue growth of Ishii Sports, founded in 1964.

Ishii sells sports equipment online as well as through a chain of 32 retail stores in Japan. The products are designed for outdoor activities such as canoeing, mountaineering, skiing and snowboarding.

Along with self-branded products it also sells big brands including The North Face and Nordica and offers related services such as equipment repair and training.

Established in 1992, Advantage focuses on acquisitions, growth capital, privatisation and turnaround opportunities in China, Japan and South Korea. Its investment portfolio lists nearly 50 companies, including retail and distribution companies Actus Corp, Credge, FMI and Ray Cassin.