Vista Outdoor has entered into a definitive agreement with BRG Sports to acquire BRG Sports’ Action Sports division for US$400 million. The division is operated by Bell Sports Corp and includes the leading brands Bell and Giro, and C-Preme and Blackburn.
The acquisition adds a collection of branded sports equipment products serving enthusiasts of all ages in cycling, snow sports and powersports. Products marketed under the acquired brands include helmets for cycling, snow sports and powersports, as well as goggles, footwear and a variety of cycling accessories.
The Action Sports brands are seen as ‘product category leaders and best-in-class innovators and industry pioneers in premium protective gear with research and product development capabilities.’
The completed acquisition will be integrated into the Vista’s Outdoor Products segment. According to a Vista Outdoor release, this results in a balancing of its brand portfolio between Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products.
Under the terms of the transaction, Vista Outdoor will pay a purchase price of US$400 million, along with ‘additional contingent consideration payable if incremental profitability growth milestones within the Powersports product line are achieved.’
The purchase price is subject to a customary working capital adjustment. Vista Outdoor expects calendar year 2016 net sales for the Action Sports division of approximately US$350 million. The purchase price represents a resulting effective multiple of approximately 10x the expected calendar year 2016 EBITDA for the acquired brands.
Vista Outdoor intends to finance the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand, drawings on its revolving credit facility and increased Term Loan A borrowings of approximately US$300 million. Vista Outdoor will incorporate the financial impact of the acquisition in its full-year FY17 guidance and will provide more information on the transaction as part of its Fiscal Year 2016 fourth quarter and full-year earnings press release and webcast.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Vista Outdoor anticipates closing the transaction in the next 30 to 60 days.
“This acquisition is consistent with our strategic growth objective of becoming a world-leading outdoor sports and recreation products company,” said Vista Outdoor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark DeYoung.
“This is our third acquisition since becoming an independent public company one year ago, and demonstrates our commitment to creating a solid leadership position in the individual outdoor recreation market with top-tier brands and market-leading capabilities. The Action Sports acquisition, combined with our strong CamelBak and Bollé brands, positions Vista Outdoor as a leading company in cycling and snow sports equipment in both North America and Europe.”
He continued, “Adding these innovative and well-known consumer brands to our portfolio creates a channel leadership position, enabling us to sell a broad suite of Vista Outdoor products to specialty outdoor shops, wholesalers and leading outdoor product retailers.”
“Vista Outdoor is a perfect new home for the Action Sports division as they join an expanding outdoor sports and recreation company comprised of market-leading brands,” said BRG Sports Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Lee.
“Under Vista Outdoor ownership, we are confident Bell, Giro, C-Preme and Blackburn will continue to drive product innovation and lead the industry. We know they will continue to foster the strong people and product culture that makes these brands great.”
The acquisition includes BRG Sports’ Action Sports division. BRG Sports will maintain ownership of Riddell. BRG Sports is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories that advance performance and protection.
BRG’s Action Sports activities are headquartered in Scotts Valley, California, with facilities in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. The acquisition of Action Sports will include more than 600 employees.
Vista Outdoor is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the growing outdoor sports and recreation markets. The company operates in two segments, Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products, and has ‘well-recognized brands that provide consumers with a range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative products in the ammunition, firearms and outdoor accessories categories.’
Vista Outdoor products are sold at leading retailers and distributors across North America and worldwide. Vista Outdoor is headquartered in Utah and has manufacturing operations and facilities in 10 US States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico along with international sales and sourcing operations in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand.
