Investment news

Partners Group, the global private markets investment manager, announces that it has agreed to invest in SBF Group (“SBF”) on behalf of its clients together with its investment partner for this transaction, GP Investments. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close by year end.

SBF is the undisputed leader in sporting goods retail in Brazil and operates through both store-based and online channels. Founded in 1981 in the Minas Gerais state, the company rapidly established its market leadership position and now manages more than 200 stores throughout the country under the brands Centauro, By Tennis, Nike Store and Almax. The founding entrepreneur will retain a majority stake in the company and will remain as Chairman and CEO, running the day-to-day activities together with SBF’s first-class management team.

Gonzalo Fernández-Castro, responsible for Partners Group’s private equity investments in Latin America, comments “We are pleased to support SBF’s team in continuing its success story. We believe SBF is uniquely positioned to benefit from the expanding middle classes in Brazil and from the upcoming sporting events taking place in the country, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.”