Dubai’s GMG acquires Southeast Asian sports retailer Royal Sporting House

Dubai-based family holding company, Gulf Marketing Group (GMG), has acquired Royal Sporting House (RSH), one of the largest multi-brand sports retailers in Southeast Asia.

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Following the acquisition, GMG will operate over 550 sports retail stores in 57 cities across 12 countries.

This will include more than 1.9 million sqft of physical retail space, 10 warehouses, and nearly 8,000 employees, a statement said.

The acquisition will add to GMG’s sports division, which has expanded from a single retail store in Dubai to over 300 stores in 18 cities across six countries. It operates brands such as Sun and Sand Sports while also serving as a distributor for Nike, Columbia, Timberland and Vans, among others.

Through the RSH acquisition, GMG Sports aims to increase its presence in the GCC and enter markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Egypt.

First established in 1977 in Singapore, RSH’s portfolio spans sporting apparel, footwear and accessories from brands such as Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Under Armour, Speedo and Saucony.

Mohammad A. Baker, deputy chairman and CEO of GMG, said: “Despite the significant disruptions to the global retail industry, the strength and resilience of GMG’s business strategy enabled us to overcome these challenges and double down on our expansion plans.

“As people around the world continue to embrace active and healthy lifestyles, the integration of RSH operations into the GMG network of stores further strengthens our position in sports retail across the MENA region, and allows us to reach hundreds of millions of potential new consumers across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Egypt,” he added.

GMG also has a growing presence in other business verticals, including healthcare, food, education, real estate and logistics. Its homegrown brands include Supercare pharmacies, food brand Farm Fresh, and logistics provider Trilogi.

The company has also introduced more than 90 international brands into the Middle East.