PHILADELPHIA, PA (BRAIN) — Versa Capital Management LLC has purchased New Hampshire-based Eastern Mountain Sports, a 69-store retail chain.
Versa, based in Philadelphia, is a private equity firm that also owns Bob's Stores, an apparel retail chain. In a company statement, Versa principal Mark Walsh said the company would explore opportunities for Bob's and EMS to collaborate. Walsh is chairman of Bob's Stores and will serve as chairman of EMS, as well.
Company officials said they would not disclose terms of the dea and that no major changes will be considered for EMS until after the holidays.
Versa’s portfolio also includes Avenue Stores and Black Angus Steakhouses. EMS was founded in 1967 in Massachusetts. The founders sold the chain to The Franklin Mint in 1979.