TSG Consumer Partners is weighing options for Backcountry, including a sale of the online retailer of outdoor gear and ski apparel, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
Backcountry generates about $1 billion a year in revenue and could be valued in a sale at hundreds of millions of dollars, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. The private equity firm has enlisted an investment bank to facilitate a transaction, they said.
TSG could still decide against pursuing a sale and instead keep the company, the people said.
A representative for TSG declined to comment. A spokesperson for Backcountry responds to a request for comment.
Backcountry was founded in 1996 out of a garage in Park City, Utah. Today it sells performance gear for camping and backpacking, trail running, mountain biking, skiing and more. Backcountry reaches its customers via a portfolio of branded websites, including its namesake flagship brand, as well as Competitive Cyclist, MotoSport, Bergfreunde and Steep & Cheap.
TSG’s investment in Backcountry dates back to 2015 when it bought a majority stake from Liberty Interactive Corp. for an undisclosed price. Jim Holland, a founder of Backcountry, retained a stake in the business.
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