Sport Acuity has acquired a controlling stake in Tri247 – the company behind the 247 group of endurance sport websites. Chief among them is Tri247.com, alongside Run247.com, which are leading platforms for elite to starter athletes.
The move to owning and operating a consumer-facing property sees Sport Acuity diversify its operations. It has been a long-term strategic aim for the company to have a B2C platform to complement its position as a provider of key consultancy and content services to a range of sports. These include international motorsport, European football and rugby.
Sport Acuity Chairman Chris Buckley said “We have made our name as a trusted partner of many of sport’s big players. It’s been a strategic objective to add to that with a B2C offering, and the pandemic reinforced the need to have a broader base.
“It needed to be a property that would not conflict with our existing clients and also be in an area which can grow rapidly. We believe endurance sport, and particularly triathlon, have never been stronger than they are today, and we see significant growth ahead.”
Sport Acuity will utilise its editorial and commercial expertise to develop Tri247.com, which was originally founded 15 years ago. The company’s original shareholders will retain a minority interest in the business.
Speaking for the founders, Richard Downey said “We’re delighted to pass the baton to Sport Acuity but also continue working closely with them.
“As founders we are all steeped in the sport of triathlon and endurance sport, and that knowledge and experience, allied to Sport Acuity’s reputation for editorial excellence and its vast commercial expertise gained through years of working in the sports industry, is a compelling mix.”
Chris Buckley added “We share a vision with Tri247’s founders that there is a place for credible, entertaining and comprehensive coverage of endurance sports on websites which also include the best in product, nutrition, fitness and health content.
“Initially, Tri247.com will be the major focus; but in time, Run247.com and a number of other titles will be developed further.
“We look forward on building on the strong base laid by the founders and adding our extensive editorial expertise and 30 years of experience of the sports industry to create a world-leading product.”
www.sportacuity.com
www.tri247.com
www.run247.com
