An investment group led by Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones has acquired American Golf, the UK’s largest golf retailer, from private equity investors Endless LLP.
Over the last four decades Jones, 59, has built an enviable reputation for starting, growing and investing in businesses and, due to his appearances on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank in the US, has become one of the world’s best known and respected entrepreneurs.
American Golf is the UK and Ireland’s leading specialist golf retailer, with an annual turnover of £135 million. It was acquired by Endless in 2018 and currently employs more than 1,000 people across its omnichannel operation, which consists of more than 80 stores in the UK and Ireland alongside its online offering.
Speaking about the deal, which was completed today [February 4], Jones said: “Golf has always been a personal passion of mine, so acquiring American Golf feels especially meaningful. It’s a brand that truly understands golfers — from beginners to seasoned players — and has played an important role in the UK golf community for decades.”
Nigel Oddy, CEO of American Golf, commented: “Joining forces with Peter Jones and his investment group marks an exciting new chapter for American Golf. It will enable us to continue to accelerate our growth strategy, and further our ambition of becoming the ultimate one-stop destination for everything a golfer requires. At the same time I would like to thank Endless for their support, custodianship and investment over the past eight years.”
David Isaacs, Managing Director at Endless LLP, said: “We are incredibly proud of American Golf’s evolution over the past eight years and to see it go from strength to strength with a clear trajectory for future growth.”
American Golf and Endless were advised by Alvarez & Marsal (Corporate Finance), Addleshaw Goddard (Legal) and KPMG (Tax). Peter Jones and his investment group were advised by Reed Smith (Legal) and Grant Thornton (Financial and Tax).