U.K.’s Mountain Warehouse to acquire Eastern Mountain Warehouse for $10 million
A fast-growing U.K. outdoor clothing and equipment clothing is expanding its global footprint in the U.S. via a deal to acquire bankrupt Eastern Mountain Sports.
A judge approved Mountain Warehouse’s bid to pay $5 million for the EMS brand, website and seven profitable stores and around $5 million more for other assets. The parent company of the Northeast outdoor retailer, GoDigital Media Group, filed for bankruptcy in June.
The seven EMS stores and website acquired by Mountain Warehouse had combined sales of almost $27 million last year.
Eastern Mountain Sports, which at its peak operated more 100 stores, will continue operating as a standalone brand within Mountain Warehouse and its name will remain above the door. Also, the EMS buying team led by Kerry Muricchio will stay based in the United States.
Mountain Warehouse operates more than 370 stores in nine countries, including some 50 locations in North America. The company has opened 20 new stores so far in 2024, including its first locations in Australia. Plans call for an additional 30 store openings and relocations in 2025.
In addition to growing its U.S. footprint, Mountain Warehouse said the deal gives it the opportunity to expand the EMS brand into more regions, including Canada and Europe.
“We plan to retain the iconic EMS brand, which has a great heritage and DNA, and resonates with huge numbers of long standing customers,” said Mark Neale, founder and CEO of Mountain Warehouse. “We will also continue to work with the highest-quality and best-known outdoor brands in the world to stabilise and then grow the business. We are convinced that there is a great business here, with a tremendous pedigree, and passionate people who can help us understand the market even better and create a bright future.”
Founded in 1997, Mountain Warehouse carries a curated selection of products from third-party brands. But most of its products are designed and produced in-house, and exclusive to it. The company operates stores in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria, Netherlands, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S.
EMS opened its first store in 1967, in Wellesley, Mass. It was acquired in 2012 by a private equity firm that owned Bob's Stores, with the companies operating since then under a single corporate umbrella under various private equity owners.
