United Sports Brands has acquired Nathan Sports, a provider of athletic hydration, visibility and performance gear. Nathan will comprise the fifth brand in United Sports Brands’ portfolio, which already includes Shock Doctor, McDavid, Cutters athletic gloves and XO Athletic, makers of athletic cups and sports protection.
Nathan’s principal owner and chairman, Jon Reichlin, will be an investor in United Sports Brands and remain a contributor to the Nathan brand, said the company, while Bridgit Lombard, CEO of Nathan, and Tricia Papile, chief financial officer, will continue in a consulting capacity to support the transition to United Sports Brands. Nathan, which is headquartered in Philadelphia with its distribution center, is anticipated to relocate operations to United Sports Brands’ headquarters in Minnesota and California in phases beginning in 2016.
“In United Sports Brands, NATHAN has a partner with similar values and strong operational resources to help us provide the best service to our retailers and athletes,” said Lombard. “This acquisition means Nathan can focus on doing what we do best: building programs to drive retail sales and providing innovative products that help athletes run stronger and longer.”
