Discount mail order giant MotoSport was bundled up in a deal that saw Backcountry.com family of brands including Competitive Cyclist and SteepandCheap change hands to CSC Generation Enterprise, which owns and operates e-commerce retail businesses including online furniture outlet One Kings Lane and Sur La Table cooking offerings. CSC bought the business from TSG Consumer Partners and terms are not being disclosed.
Originally MotoSport Outlet was the brick-and-mortar operation in 1999 after founder Bill Butcher tried getting motorcycle parts at a local dealer and had to wait three weeks. Soon after, Butcher moved MotoSport to Eugene, OR and quickly doubled his leased space from 12,000 square feet to 27,000 square feet in 2003. Early customers may remember the annual 100-page catalog as Butcher preferred the traditional route of sales over the internet, still in its infancy, despite online orders comprising 30 percent of the business at the time.
Today, MotoSport sells 100% online, but in recent years resurrected that catalog. The company ships parts and gear within days thanks to two strategically-placed warehouses, and operates an extensive OEM catalog. MotoSport also unveiled RDRCO last year, an exclusive line of employee designed and tested riding gear now set to expand in options for 2024. Indeed, after 25 years MotoSport has cemented itself as one of the nation’s leading online powersports parts, gear and supplies companies.
“Joining CSC is a significant milestone for us,” claims Backcountry CEO Melanie Cox. “Our team is enthusiastic about utilizing CSC’s expertise and resources to accelerate the Backcountry strategy. We are confident that this acquisition will enable us to expand our market presence and continue delivering outstanding outdoor experiences.” But it remains to be seen if Moto mixes with the other operations or if MotoSport.com is subsequently spun off by CSC.
“We were drawn to Backcountry for several compelling reasons: their extensive and varied product range, deep connections with the outdoor community, and the remarkable passion and loyalty of their customers,” adds Justin Yoshimura, founder and CEO of CSC. “By integrating their strengths with our commitment to digital innovation, we believe there is significant potential for continued growth.”
