Fanatics has finalised the acquisition of licensed sports apparel wholesaler Fexpro as the latest step in its growth strategy.
The digital sports platform has stated that it views Panama-based Fexpro as an ‘expert’ in its field due to being a preferred licensee for several major US leagues, including the NFL, the NBA, and the MLB. Other notable sports brands represented by Fexpro include Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Umbro.
Fexpro will enter the Fanatics enterprise through Fanatics Commerce, with all of its staff remaining under the guidance of current Fexpro CEO Alberto Bassan.
Bassan said: “This deal marks a fantastic opportunity for us to further grow our business and better serve our partners, with the support of a global company that has continually innovated for sports fans over the past decade.
“Fanatics has transformed the way quality fan gear and apparel is designed, manufactured, and delivered through its innovative vertical commerce model. With access to Fanatics’ capabilities, global infrastructure, and unparalleled relationships across the world of sport, we will be able to provide value for our partners like never before.”
Bassan on the other hand will report to Joe Monahan, Global President of Fanatics Brand, who commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Fexpro to the growing Fanatics family. Alberto and the team have built a strong wholesale business that complements many of Fanatics Brands’ capabilities that have been scaled globally over the past decade.”
Both companies will continue to focus on growing sports wholesale across Latin America, with additional sales, marketing and manufacturing opportunities now unlocked thanks to the merger.
Reaching a deal with Fexpro continues Fanatics’ expansion into sports retail, with the firm recently also buying Italian firm EPI, which is the third-party logistics partner of Italian football clubs Inter Milan, Juventus, A.C. Milan, as well as Italy’s National Football Team.
