MIAMI, FL – (April 6, 2018) Trivest Partners (“Trivest”) announces it has recapitalized and merged Athletic Supply and Barcelona Sports (combined, the “Company”). This transaction marks the 17th platform investment of Trivest Fund V.
The Company is a leading value-added distributor of sporting goods equipment, primarily to high schools and colleges. Importantly, the executives of both businesses, including Ronny Flowers and Sammy Barcelona, remain owners in the Company and will continue to lead day-to-day operations. Trivest’s investment in the combined business is to support future growth and ensure the Company remains well positioned to continue to deliver outstanding customer service.
On a combined basis, Athletic Supply and Barcelona is one the largest sporting goods distribution businesses in Texas and has earned a strong reputation in its market over more than 60 years. Serving a growing base of more than 1,500 customers annually, the Company has engendered loyalty by providing a broad selection of products at a fair price, combined with unmatched customer service. The merger of the businesses expands the Company’s sales and marketing and distribution capabilities, all with the goal of better serving customer needs.
“The partnership of Athletic Supply and Barcelona, along with the support of Trivest, will allow the Company to continue its growth plans, strengthen its leading position in Texas, and explore expansion into new geographies,” said Ronny Flowers, CEO. “Both Sammy Barcelona and I believe that working together to pursue both organic growth and complementary add-on acquisitions is a winning formula. We are very excited about the partnership and appreciate all the continuing support from our customers and vendors.”
The Combined business will remain a member of Sports, Inc., the largest team and outdoor buying group in the country. “We have enjoyed getting to know Sammy, Ronny, their families and staff,” said Todd Adams, Sports, Inc. CEO. “Barcelona Sporting Goods has been a Sports, Inc. member since 2012, and Athletic Supply joined in 2014. Their support has helped our group, and we look forward to their continuing membership support.”
About Athletic Supply:
Athletic Supply has been taking care of Texas schools since 1946. Athletic Supply provides all the big-name products with small business customer service. With more than 20 sales professionals, our specialty is supplying the schools of Texas with all their sporting good needs from uniforms to equipment. For additional information, please visit www.athleticsupplytx.com/.
About Barcelona Sports:
Barcelona Sports is a Houston-based athletics and sporting goods supplier that serves schools, leagues and teams throughout Texas and individual athletes nationwide. For 60 years, Barcelona has been a leader in high performance team gear for baseball, softball, football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field and PE and fitness. For additional information, please visit www.barcelonasports.com/.
About Trivest Partners:
Trivest Partners is a private investment firm that focuses on partnering with founder/family owned businesses in the United States and Canada. Since its founding in 1981, Trivest has completed more than 250 transactions, totaling in excess of $6.0 billion in value. For additional information, please visit www.trivest.com.
About Sports, Inc.:
Sports, Inc. is the largest team and outdoor buying group in the country with 523 members operating 777 locations. The Team Division consists of 230 members operating 365 team, retail, and decoration locations employing over 4,500 people from coast to coast. Sports, Inc. was established in 1965 and is headquartered in Lewistown, Montana. For additional information, please visit www.sportsinc.com.
