Ares Outdoors has made the first of several planned investments in the outdoor segment with the acquisition of online hunting and outdoor apparel retailer Thlete. 

Thlete, which is based in Eagan, Minnesota, was founded by entrepreneur Mike Zaudke, and designs, manufactures and sells what it describes as “some of the most technically advanced hunting and outdoor apparel available in the market today.” The assortment includes hunting apparel in its popular proprietary “Deadfall” camouflage pattern, with state-of-the-art fabrics and materials.

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William Spalding, president of Ares, says the company plans to significantly invest in Thlete to “expand its product offering and refine and grow the business. He adds: “This brand serves a customer we know and understand, and we look forward to providing even more value to them going forward.”

Franklin, Tennessee based Ares will market Thlete products through a new subsidiary called ‘Thlete Outdoors, which will also be headquartered in Franklin. 

The purchase price and other terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. 

Spalding says this is the first of several acquisitions and investments in leading brands in the outdoor segment being planned by Ares, which is building a cohesive network of technically advanced outdoors brands.

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