Four years after Korean-based KPS Capital Partner purchased TaylorMade Golf it has sold the powerful golf brand. But it will stay in Korean hands as the new buyer is reportedly Centroid Investment Partners, a Korea-based private equity firm.
KPS, which purchased TaylorMade from Adidas in 2017 for $425 million, has reportedly sold the company to Centroid for $1.7 billion.
Considered a top-two market share holder in the golf equipment category (clubs, balls, bags and accessories), TaylorMade has brand deals with a some of the tour’s biggest names including Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Collin Morikawa.
“TaylorMade Golf is a transformational investment for Centroid,” said Jinhyeok Jeong, CEO of Centroid Investment Partners.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to invest in a global leader in golf.
“The industry is currently experiencing high demand, increased participation with strong long-term opportunities around the world.
“TaylorMade is an iconic brand with continued momentum across the key golf equipment categories and regions, especially the Korean and wider Asian markets.”
David Abeles, TaylorMade CEO, added, “This transaction is a very important milestone as we continue to build upon our brand’s momentum around the world.
“Not surprisingly, the sale process for TaylorMade generated tremendous interest from a wide range of prospective buyers and resulted in an agreement that reflects the outstanding performance of our business today, as well as the outlook for the future.
“Our partnership with KPS has been extraordinary. At the same time, we are equally excited about our new partnership with Centroid and believe that it will enable our outstanding team to continue to build on the strategies that have driven TaylorMade’s success.”
David Shapiro, co-founder of KPS, said, “KPS recognized the value of the TaylorMade brand, its cutting-edge product portfolio, the talent of its world-class management team and employees and the opportunity to align the company’s cost structure with the market realities.
“We congratulate the entire organisation for their tremendous dedication to the brand and their passion for the game of golf.
“TaylorMade is well positioned for continued growth and is poised for accelerated growth in the important Korean market, as well as the rest of Asia, under Centroid’s ownership.”
