Frasers Group has successfully secured a majority stake in Maxi Sport, an established multisport retailer operating in Italy. The financial details of this acquisition have not been disclosed.
Maxi Sport was founded in 1989, starting its journey in Merate, and has since built a strong retail presence, including an online platform that launched in 2002. The retailer operates 18 stores throughout Italy, with six of them being flagship locations that cater to extreme sports and winter equipment.
The founding family Emanuele Sala, Giovanni Sala, Ester Sala, and Giulia Sala—will retain a shareholding in Maxi Sport and continue their leadership roles as the company embarks on this new chapter.
Post-acquisition, Frasers Group intends for Maxi Sport to maintain its reputation for delivering high-quality sporting goods to Italian consumers while also planning to expand with Sports Direct locations within Italy.
Michael Murray, the CEO of Frasers Group, stated: “Maxi Sport represents the pinnacle of premium sports retail in Italy, and this partnership is the next phase of that journey. I look forward to working with Emanuele, Giovanni, Ester, Giulia, and their team, bringing our international experience and strong brand relationships together with their regional expertise to grow Maxi Sport’s unique offering and also launch Sports Direct in Italy in the future.”
This acquisition follows Frasers Group’s recent ventures in Central Europe. In November of last year, the company reached an agreement to acquire Hervis Hungary and Hervis Romania from the SPAR Austria Group, which added over 75 outlets to its portfolio in that region.
Additionally, in October of the previous year, Frasers Group acquired a majority holding in The Webster, a luxury retailer from Miami, as part of its goal to broaden its international presence in the luxury retail sector and enhance its digital capabilities.
With its headquarters in Shirebrook, UK, Frasers Group reported a 5% increase in revenues, totaling £2.6 million for the first half of the financial year, and nearly doubled its profit before tax.