Übernahme: Schwedische Firma kauft Traditionsmarken Uhlsport und Kempa

In Balingen, the Swedish textile company New Wave Group has acquired 100% of Uhlsport, a long-standing sporting goods manufacturer. An announcement regarding the takeover of all shares was signed, with the transaction expected to be completed by early October, according to the New Wave Group. The company issued a statement, asserting that Uhlsport would now be part of an international corporate group.

Established in 1948 as a specialist for leather jackets, Uhlsport sells apparel, accessories, and equipment for team sports, particularly football and handball, under the brands "Uhlsport" and "Kempa."

With central warehouses in Balingen and Bisingen, and subsidiaries in France, Sweden, and Spain, the company distributes its products to customers across Europe and around the globe. Last year, Uhlsport generated approximately €67 million in revenue, recording a slight loss. New Wave Group, which has contracts with Craft under the Sport brand for agreements with around 5,000 clubs throughout Europe, aims to leverage Uhlsport's strong, long-standing relationships with clubs, national teams, and associations to offer an even broader range of balls, shin guards, and goalkeepers' gloves.

Uhlsport GmbH will maintain its independence within the New Wave Group and retain its headquarters in Balingen, the company announced. Additionally, the management team, including Managing Director Melanie Steinhilber, will remain unchanged and continue to manage the Uhlsport and Kempa brands separately. Steinhilber sees the takeover as a significant opportunity for Uhlsport GmbH.

Uhlsport GmbH's CEO Günter Daiss shared his thoughts on the takeover: "I am placing the company in capable hands, thereby creating space for future-oriented development."