Belgian outdoor giant takes a step into Germany
Outdoor Retail: A.S.Adventure Takes Over McTrek
The Belgian outdoor retailer A.S.Adventure has taken over German retailer McTrek, and in doing so enters into the German market. A.S.Adventure bought 95 percent of Yeah AG’s shares, operators of the McTrek chain.
Frederic Hufkens, CEO of A.S.Adventure, announced that through the takeover his company becomes “one of the most significant market players in Germany, the biggest market for outdoor equipment in Europe.”
Despite having almost 190 branches under four different brands, the Belgian company previously had no representation in Germany. This is now set to change thanks to the 39 McTrek stores gained to date.
McTrek founder remains on board
Regarding the takeover of his company, McTrek founder and CEO Ulrich Dausien said: “I am convinced that as part of the A.S.Adventure group, McTrek can continue to develop even more than before.” The aim with the company is “to fulfill the wishes of customers to the optimum standard and excite even more people about outdoor life.”
Dausien, who also founded the outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin in 1981, remains on board as CEO of McTrek and will continue to be a shareholder in A.S.Adventure along with the PAI investment fund (85 percent) and management under Frederic Hufkens (15 percent).
In the recent years, McTrek has recorded continual growth. In the 2016 fiscal year, the revenue was amounted to 52 million euros.