Sports Direct rescues camping firm Gelert

NORTH West based camping supplier and retailer Gelert has been rescued from receivership by Sports Direct International.

The deal for the Widnes company’s wholesale and retail operations secures around 100 jobs in Wales and the North West.

David Riley and Les Ross of Grant Thornton were appointed as administrative receivers of the loss-making company on June 21, and  completed the rescue deal soon after.

Founded by entrepreneur Mike Ashley, Derbyshire-based Sports Direct is the largest sports retailer in the country. Its existing lifestyle brands include Dunlop, Slazenger, Everlast, Lonsdale and Karrimor.
 
Gelert was founded in Wales 1975 and operates as an importer, wholesaler and retailer of outdoor and camping equipment. It has shops in Porthmadog, Bedgellert, Caernarfon, Betws-y-coed and Dublin, plus a showroom in Haydock and wholesale activities operating from a headquarters in Widnes.
 
The consideration was not disclosed.Grant Thornton is currently reviewing options for the Dublin retail operation, which was not included in the sale.
 
Grant Thornton’s Manchester-based advisory team, led by partners Ali Sharifi and David Riley, undertook a period of marketing of the business before securing the sale to Sports Direct International.
 
David Riley said: “Gelert is a well-established brand and we are delighted to have been able to secure a sale to set it on a new course for the future under new ownership.”