Outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) has been bought by UK-based brand Mountain Warehouse in a $10 million deal.
The acquisition marks the rescue of EMS from bankruptcy after the company filed for Chapter 11 in June. Some 100 jobs will be saved.
As part of the deal, Mountain Warehouse will pay $5 million for the brand, website and seven profitable stores and $5 million more for other assets, reported Retail Week.
EMS will remain a standalone brand following the acquisition, and its buying team will stay based in the US.
“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,” said Mark Neale, founder and CEO of Mountain Warehouse.
Founded in 1967, EMS reported combined sales of nearly $27 million last year. The company was sold to GoDigital Media by Frasers in May 2022.
Mountain Warehouse has been operating in North America for more than a decade, having over 50 stores. The region contributes $85.5 million to the group’s annual sales.
