New Wave Group buys German sportswear maker uhlsport, adding €67M in revenue
What's the deal? New Wave GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Germany's uhlsport GmbHDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, structured as a share sale based on closing accounts as of September 30, 2026. Balingen-based uhlsport develops and sells clothing, accessories, and equipment for team sports — mainly football and handball — under the uhlsport and KempaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → brands.
The numbers: The uhlsport group generated revenue of roughly €67 million in 2025, with a minor loss. Full financials will be disclosed once closing accounts are audited, expected around New Wave Group's Q3 report on November 11, 2026, or late November.
What's the endgame? The deal positions New Wave Group as a more complete supplier in team sports. Craft SportswearDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, which holds agreements with about 5,000 clubs across Europe, will be able to offer balls, shin guards, goalkeeper gloves, handball resin, and shoes from uhlsport and Kempa.
In turn, uhlsport — with long-standing ties to clubs, national teams, and federations — gains a broader product range, including merchandise, through New Wave Group's brands. The companies expect synergies in distribution, sourcing, and production over time.
Why now? uhlsport's founding family sought a permanent home for the business. Günter Daiss, speaking for the sellers, said it was "particularly important to us to find a long-term home for uhlsport and Kempa," adding the family was "especially pleased that the Balingen location will be retained."
Torsten Jansson, chief executive officer and founder of New Wave Group, called it "a very exciting acquisition" and said the group looked forward to welcoming uhlsport's employees.
What could go wrong? Completion depends on merger control clearance from competition authorities, with closing expected on October 1, 2026. New Wave Group said the acquisition is not expected to materially affect its short-term earnings or cash position, though certain acquisition- and integration-related adjustments will be recognised at group level after completion.
The signal: The purchase extends consolidation in team-sports supply, pairing a Swedish brand group's apparel and club reach with a German maker's hardware and federation relationships — a bet that a fuller catalogue wins more of Europe's club business.
Read more: placera.se
Image credit: USB Japan
