SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — TSG Consumer Partners LLC, a strategic equity investor, has acquired the online outdoor sports retailer Backcountry.com, including its CompetiveCyclist.com division, from Liberty Interactive Corporation. The company said that Backcountry founder Jim Holland will continue to own a stake in the company, but otherwise the terms were not disclosed.
Holland founded Backcountry in Park City, Utah, in 1996. Its portfolio of websites includes CompetitiveCyclist, MotoSport, Bergfreunde, Steep&Cheap and Whiskey Militia. Liberty Media took a controlling stake in Backcountry in 2007. Backcountry bought Competitive Cyclist in 2011.
Jamie O'Hara, the president of TSG, said, "Backcountry is the online destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the core consumer is highly loyal to the site and the brand. TSG is excited to partner with a company with such a strong brand heritage and authenticity."
Jill Layfield, the president and CEO of Backcountry, said, "We are thankful for the support that Liberty has given us during their ownership to allow us to grow and expand Backcountry. We look forward to this next chapter with TSG, a proven brand-builder with over 25 years of experience in the consumer industry. We believe TSG represents the ideal partner for Backcountry, and we will work with them to continue to improve our offerings and merchandising, optimize our technology platform, and enhance our distribution efforts. By combining TSG's expertise with Backcountry's leadership position in the outdoor market, the company will be well-positioned to build on our current platform and drive significant growth."
Prior to the purchase, Backcountry was a division of the Liberty Ventures tracking stock group of Liberty (NASDAQ: LVNTA).
TSG Consumer Partners LLC has approximately $3 billion in equity capital under management, focused exclusively on the branded consumer sector. Past and present partner companies include vitaminwater, Smart Balance, popchips, Muscle Milk, Yard House, REVOLVE Clothing, Smashbox Cosmetics, Pureology, e.l.f. cosmetics and Paige Denim.
