Mannheim-based sporting goods retailer 21sportsgroup has acquired all the shares of Berlin-based mysportgroup GmbH, operator of sports marketplace VAOLA, with immediate effect.

The transaction took place in the form of an exchange of shares with existing mysportgroup GmbH shareholders for an undisclosed amount.

With well over 100,000 items, VAOLA offers one of the largest sporting goods ranges in Germany, particularly in the outdoor, football/soccer, and running categories.

This acquisition now provides 21sportsgroup, which has enjoyed solid growth thanks to specialist brands 21run.com (running and triathlon) and Planet Sports (action sports and streetwear), with an innovative, generalist marketplace platform for the entire online range of sporting goods.

Mysportgroup GmbH will remain an independent business and represent one of the three current pillars of 21sportsgroup, along with Planet Sports GmbH and VR bike GmbH. In addition, VAOLA will benefit from the range of exciting products offered by 21sportsgroup.

Jorg Mayer, CEO of 21sportsgroup, explains: “The sporting goods market is separated into buyer groups for specialist stores and customers for generalist shops or platforms. Together with VAOLA, we at 21sportsgroup are now able to offer every sports enthusiast the right kind of service!”