Yonex buys 50% of Indian distributor Sunrise Sports
What's the deal? Japanese racquet brand YonexDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has agreed to acquire a 50% voting interest in Indian sporting goods distributor Sunrise Sports for an undisclosed sum. After completion, Sunrise Sports is set to become an affiliate of Yonex.
What's the endgame? Yonex is globally known for its premium badminton racquets and shuttlecocks. Taking half of its long-standing Indian distributor gives it a direct hold on one of the world's largest badminton markets.
Who advised? AZB & Partners advised Sunrise Sports and its promoters as lead Indian counsel, while Baker McKenzieDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → advised Yonex on the share acquisition. DMD AdvocatesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → acted as tax adviser to the promoters, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan served as Indian legal counsel, and Khaitan & Co acted as transaction counsel.
What could go wrong? The cross-border structure required coordination across multiple counsel teams on Indian and international legal, regulatory, and tax considerations. A 50-50 split can also complicate control and future decision-making.
The signal: The move deepens Yonex's commitment to India at a time when badminton's popularity is rising there, shifting the company from supplier to co-owner of its route to market.
Read more: law.asia
