INTERSPORT Deutschland acquires a 50% stake in unitex
We have advised INTERSPORT Deutschland eG (INTERSPORT Deutschland), a leading sports retailer in Germany, on the acquisition of a 50% stake in unitex GmbH (unitex), a leading German service and buying group for the fashion retail sector, from unitex Vermögensverwaltung GmbH. The remaining 50% of shares are held by SABU Schuh-Verbund eG (SABU).
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Heilbronn, Germany, INTERSPORT Deutschland is the largest national cooperation within the global INTERSPORT Group, with around 700 independent retailers operating across 1,400 locations in Germany and generating revenues of €3.48bn in the fiscal year 2023/24. With its strategic programme ‘Best in Sports: Up for Future’, the company is pursuing a clear path of organic and inorganic expansion, aiming to strengthen its leadership position and diversify across the sports, fashion, and lifestyle sectors.
Based in Neu-Ulm, Germany, unitex is a modern and innovative service platform providing centralised payment, purchasing, and marketing solutions for medium-sized fashion and textile retailers. In 2024, unitex recorded a centralised settlement volume of over € 390m. The company supports over 800 members with more than 1,900 retail locations across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and collaborates with over 800 suppliers and service partners.
Through this transaction, INTERSPORT Deutschland strengthens its position as a leading retail alliance and expands its footprint in the fashion market. The investment complements its existing strategic partnership with SABU and marks a significant milestone in INTERSPORT Deutschland’s growth trajectory.
The partnership between INTERSPORT Deutschland, unitex, and SABU will unlock synergies for the benefit of its members and retail partners of all three organisations.
While our coe focus remains on sports, the acquisition of a 50% stake in unitex is a strategically logical step given the convergence of sports, fashion, and footwear retail. unitex has demonstrated strong growth and profitability, and together we can build on this momentum for the benefit of our members and retail partners. Clearwater supported us throughout the entire transaction process with very valuable and competent M&A advice, ensuring a professional and efficient execution of the project.
This transaction highlights INTERSPORT Deutschland’s ambition to expand beyond traditional sports. We are proud to have advised INTERSPORT Deutschland on this strategic acquisition, which strengthens their market position and unlocks significant synergies across the retail ecosystem.