Technology platform CSC Generation Enterprise has acquired outdoor retailer Backcountry, a large account for the outdoor industry, including its portfolio of brands MotoSport, Competitive Cyclist, and Steep and Cheap.
Former owner TSG Consumer Partners, a private equity firm, acquired Backcountry in 2015 from Liberty Interactive Corporation. Under TSG, Backcountry experienced different leadership teams and strategy changes as the company looked to cement its footing in the space and navigate the challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. There had been reports that TSG was shopping Backcountry to potential buyers for more than a year.
The terms of the deal with CSC Generation Enterprise were not disclosed in a press release issued Monday night announcing the acquisition.
“We were drawn to Backcountry for several compelling reasons: their extensive and varied product range, deep connections with the outdoor community, and the remarkable passion and loyalty of their customers,” said Justin Yoshimura, founder and CEO of CSC, in a statement. “By integrating their strengths with our commitment to digital innovation, we believe there is significant potential for continued growth.”
Indiana-based CSC Generation Enterprise is an M&A-focused company that currently owns more than 10 retail, e-commerce, and wholesale brands such as Sur La Table and One Kings Lane. Powered by artificial intelligence and automation, the company acquires retailers and aims to make them “profitable, digital-first, consumer-centric businesses,” according to a news release.
Backcountry has experimented with physical retail in recent years and made a big push to grow wholesale sales of its private label brand last year.
“Joining CSC is a significant milestone for us,” said current Backcountry CEO Melanie Cox, who joined Backcountry four years ago, in a statement. “Our team is enthusiastic about utilizing CSC’s expertise and resources to accelerate the Backcountry strategy. We are confident that this acquisition will enable us to expand our market presence and continue delivering outstanding outdoor experiences.”
Backcountry will continue to operate under its brand name.
