Bauer Sports Acquires Baseball Team

Bauer Performance Sports Ltd., a designer and manufacturer of high performance sports equipment and apparel in Exeter, acquired the Easton Baseball/Softball business from Easton-Bell Sports, which is located in Van Nuys, Calif. Under the terms of the agreement, BPS acquired Easton Baseball/Softball for a total all-cash consideration valued at $330 million, plus working capital adjustment and fees.
 
The acquisition of Easton Baseball/Softball strengthens and complements other Bauer brands like BAUER, MISSION, MAVERIK, CASCADE, INARIA and COMBAT. By adding Easton Baseball/Softball to its portfolio, BPS officials stated in a press release that they will now have stronger and more consistent revenue throughout the year. This strategic acquisition also contributes highly-valuable intellectual property to the company’s extensive performance sports portfolio.
 
“This is the largest and most transformational acquisition in our history because it positions BPS as the No. 1 global leader in ice hockey, roller hockey, baseball and softball,” said Kevin Davis, president and CEO of BPS. “Both companies have a passion to elevate player performance and deliver innovation across every category, and together we will be able to share technologies, leverage our platform and continue growing the EASTON brand around the world.”
 
On a pro forma basis, the combined companies generated about $593 million in annualized sales. This does not take into account the anticipated operational synergies and efficiencies of the integrated businesses.
 
While BPS now owns the EASTON brand and the Easton Baseball/Softball business, Easton-Bell Sports retains Easton Hockey and Easton Cycling. BPS has entered into a license agreement that allows Easton-Bell Sports to continue to use the EASTON name in these two sports segments. No other businesses from the Easton-Bell Sports portfolio were included in the acquisition.
 
BPS will continue to operate the Easton Baseball/Softball business out of its existing California and Salt Lake City, Utah locations. Easton Baseball/Softball’s key leadership team has joined BPS with the exception of its president, who is assisting with the transition, and will leave afterwards to pursue other interests. Cliff Hall will serve as the executive vice president of Easton Baseball/Softball.
 
“The team at Easton Baseball and Softball has built a winning record since the launch of its first aluminum bat in 1972,” said Hall. “The acquisition by BPS will build on Easton Baseball and Softball’s tradition of developing game-changing technologies that has positioned it as the world’s leading and most recognized brand in diamond sports. We are excited about the opportunities ahead as we look to further invest across our product categories and grow our brand.”