American Golf acquired by Endless in pre-pack administration deal

American Golf have been taken out of a rapid-fire pre-pack administration with their acquisition by Endless a private equity investor that specialises in turning companies around.

The deal includes 112 of the 132 American Golf retail stores across the UK and Eire, the Americangolf.co.uk and Onlinegolf.co.uk websites and safeguards the jobs of over 900 employees in stores and at the Head Office in Warrington. While it is good news for those employees, golf brands across the board are likely to take a substantial financial from the administration.

The purchase, rumoured to be in the region of £10 million, follows previous retail investments such as Bathstore and The Works, which was listed on the London Stock Exchange in July 2018.

American Golf was established in 1970 and has a turnover of approximately £140 million. It provides a comprehensive range of golf clubs, equipment, shoes and clothing and employs over 50 PGA professionals and 20 Master Fitters who provide custom fitting services and specialist in-store advice.

The deal was led by Endless Manchester Partner Tom Jack and Investment Director Richard Harrison, both of whom will join the American Golf Board.

Tom Jack said: “American Golf holds a unique position as the UK’s golf market leader and has been providing specialist expertise to its loyal customer base for over 45 years. We believe this is a business with fantastic potential and we’re delighted to be able to protect the employment of over 900 employees as a result of this acquisition.”

American Golf will honour valid gift cards and outstanding customer orders.  Jack added “We look forward to welcoming American Golf’s loyal customers and working with global golf brands to provide an unparalleled destination golfing experience.”

Daniel Smith, Deloitte Partner, commented “I am delighted that the sale of the business which we have completed today has safeguarded over 900 jobs.  We appreciate the support of management and all employees in achieving this aim and wish them well for the future.”

Stores announced to be closing include

• Leatherhead, Surrey
• Deer Park, Livingston
• Queens Park Golf Course, Crewe
• Kingswood GC, Doncaster
• Great Hadham, Hertfordshire
• Wrexham
• Ageas Bowl, Southampton
• Playgolf Northwick Park, Middlesex
• Romford, Essex
• Queens Drive, Nottingham
• Castle Street, Hull
• Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire
• Worcester
• Finchley Road, London
• Lincoln
• Glasgow
• Middlesbrough
• Bristol
• Belfast
• Grandemare, Guernsey.