Team Sportia Ab of Sweden and its majority owner SGN Sportia of Finland have joined Sport 2000 International, greatly extending the reach of Europe's second largest buying group for sporting goods retailers in the Nordic countries.
Team Sportia operates 105 stores in Sweden and generates approximately€35 million in annual revenue, while SGN Sportia operates 56 stores in Finland and generates about €36 million in annual sales.
"With Sport 2000 it is possible to keep on living our national identity under the umbrella of a strong international brand, and commonly develop them forward," said Anders Edvardsson, CEO of Team Sportia. "
Edvardsson said Sport 2000's purchasing power in running and bicycling was key to the decision because Team Sportia's core categories include fitness, football, running, outdoor recreation, cycling and cross-country skiing.
Both Scandinavian companies will join Sport 2000 Internationals co-branding concept, which calls for extending their own national logo with the tag "Official Partner of Sport 2000."
Sport 2000 International provides purchasing and other services to 3,728 independent sports retailers in 23 countries. It's members generate total revenue of more than €6.2 billion a year, making it the second largest sporting goods buying group in Europe after Intersport.
"More and more national purchasing associations realize that today it is essential to be part of a strong," , said Harold J. Rubrech, CEO of Sport 2000 International, "For singular retailers, it even more fundamental. The bundling of international purchasing budgets, and the opportunity for premium brands to launch their global marketing concepts in a consistent way in our entire European network, symbolize a clear win-win situation for all stakeholders."
