Bloomfield, MI – Specialty outdoor gear retailers, Summit Sports and Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK) have announced their merger under Summit Sports LLC.
The merger combines several e-commerce brands including Skis.com, InlineSkates.com, Snowboards.com, WaterOutfitters.com, CampGear.com, A
“Summit Sports and Austin Kayak are a natural fit and will build upon and grow on each other’s expertise to create a symbiotic and successful business,” says Steve Kopitz, Chairman, Summit Sports. “It is exciting to see these two companies become one, and Summit Sports is looking forward to expanding and innovating with ACK to continue bringing the best in specialty outdoor sports to consumers.”
This merger will provide the two companies with the ability to focus on their individual specialty categories while driving to expand their online and local store business, Summit Sports officials indicate.
“In just 10 years, we grew ACK from a small mom and pop shop with two employees to one of the largest specialty paddlesports retailers in the country,” said Peter Messana, CEO, Summit Sports. “We are looking forward to the next chapter for ACK, and in particular what it will offer our customers, employees, vendors and partners.”
Peter and Steve Messana of ACK will be joining the Summit Sports executive team while retaining equity ownership in the combined entity. Kopitz will be handing over the reigns to Peter Messana, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer, while Steve Messana will continue on as Vice President of Merchandising. Kopitz will be taking over as Chairman of the Board for Summit Sports LLC.