The news of their growth comes hot on the heels of giant tackle chain Fishing Republic revealing its own period of more impressive growth.
Fosters of Birmingham is a huge enterprise in its own right with a massive 17,000 sq ft superstore, and is one of the largest tackle retailers in Europe. Holding £1.2 million of stock, Fosters caters for all forms of fishing, and is located just five minutes from J6 of the M6 and just 3.5 miles from Birmingham city centre in the West Midlands.
In the year to March 31, 2017, Fosters generated revenues of £5.9 million and had an operating profit before tax of £460,000, with net assets of £1.1 million.
Within net assets is the freehold property of the Fosters store, which has been recently valued at £500,000.
The acquisition increases Angling Direct’s presence in the Midlands, adding to its Halesowen and Willenhall stores.
Darren Bailey, CEO of Angling Direct, commented: “Fosters is a long-established and very successful business with a loyal customer base and knowledgeable team.
“The acquisition will be earnings enhancing from day one and validates Angling Direct’s long-term strategy – to consolidate the fishing tackle market whilst expanding our business through acquisition.
“We look forward to working closely and supporting the Fosters team with the integration over the coming months.”
Following completion of the acquisition, Mark Foster, will remain with Fosters for a few weeks to ensure a smooth handover, and Richard Foster, will continue to work in the business on a part-time basis.