イギリスのスポーツウェア品牌的Castoreの創設者たちが、米国または中国の買収候補と会談しており、成長を加速させ、主要な後継者に出口を提供する投資家を求めています。10年前にCastoreを共同設立したTomとPhil Beahon兄弟は、中国のスポーツウェアグループのAntaとLi-Ning、およびlarge US footwear brandsから関心を表明されています。Castoreのリーダーたちは、AntaとLi-Ningを中国のdominant sportswear forcesと見ています。兄弟の両親は自宅を抵質に入れてスタートアップに資金を提供し、創設者はマンチェスターを拠点とする会社の過半数の株式を所有しています。Castoreは3年前の資金調達ラウンドで950 million poundsの評価を受け、主要なスポーツチームとの sponsored dealsを締結しています。potential sellers include Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, former tennis player Sir Andy Murray, and the Issa brothers behind EG Group. Despite the sales process driven by financial investors including Hanaco Ventures, Felix Capital, and Raine Group, the Beahon brothers plan to remain with the company. Tom Beahon stated they are not interested in exiting, preferring to build the business rather than retire.
Castore's recent diversification into Belstaff and Grenson has been viewed as a reflection of troubles in its core sportswear business. The company has faced criticism for football kit quality, losing contracts with Aston Villa and Newcastle United to Nike and Talks with Anta and Li-Ning reflect the global ambitions of China's homegrown sports brands, which have acquired stakes in Puma and signed deals with stars like Steph Curry. A London listing is now off the table due to rocky market conditions for other founders.
出典: Financial Times Companies · 要約：HeadlinesBriefing