SPRING CITY, PA. - Longstreth Sporting Goods announces the acquisition of Kimsports CC, headquartered in Knysna, South Africa. Kimsports is the leading supplier of field hockey equipment in South Africa. Founded 29 years ago, Shane Schonegevel grew the business out of a family sports retail store. Both businesses will operate in their current capacity under the Longstreth umbrella, and Mr. Schonegevel will continue to lead the Kimsports operations in South Africa.
Kimsports imports and sells branded hockey equipment in South Africa, primarily under market leading brands such as Gryphon, OBO, Adidas, JDH and Voodoo. Kimsports operates in a manner very similar to Longstreth with a multi-channel sales approach combining wholesale, direct to schools/clubs, and a growing ecommerce business at https://planethockey.co.za/.
Longstreth is the preeminent supplier of field hockey equipment in the United States, catering to young female athletes through a vibrant website and retail location, selling direct to universities and institutions, and wholesale to other retailers. Longstreth specifically remains steadfast in its commitment to offer players choice and access to the best equipment available in the sport by continuing to bring to the United States leading international field hockey brands. Additionally, Longstreth owns Cultor Pty Ltd in Australia, which develops and sells hockey products under top international hockey brand names Gryphon and Voodoo.
“This is a really exciting step for our organization,” said John Schaefer, CEO of Longstreth Sporting Goods. “Shane has built such a strong team, and business in South Africa, with a commitment and mission very similar to Longstreth - to provide world class customer service and equipment to athletes at all levels of play. We both share representation of Gryphon and OBO in our markets, which will continue to underpin our local presence and provide a strong foundation for our commitment to our customers.”
Shane Schonegevel said, “Joining with Longstreth and Cultor provides a strong long-term home for myself, my people and of course the business. I look forward to working with Jonathon Petterson (Managing Director of Cultor), as well as the Longstreth team, in sharing best practices and figuring out the best approaches for all our markets so we continue to offer top notch solutions to our customers. I am really excited about the future for Kimsports as a key part in the Longstreth organization.”
“Combining with Kimsports adds a 3rd important country for our hockey brands into Longstreth, as South Africa, the United States and of course Australia are all key markets for Gryphon, Voodoo and Paradox. This acquisition builds on our combination with
Longstreth earlier in 2024 and strengthens the combined home for all of our employees,” adds Jonathon Petterson of Cultor.
Longstreth has a strong capital base led by Roebling Capital Partners, and has combined with Max Field Hockey, Cultor and now Kimsports over the last year. Longstreth will continue to look for investments that will enhance operations in the U.S. as well as in the fragmented international field hockey marketplace.
