Malmö, Sweden-based WS WeSports Group AB (Group), the Nordic distributor for Nike Strength, is acquiring 80 percent of the shares in Renew Group Sweden AB. Renew is the owner of the global floorball brands Unihoc and Zone. Founded in 1972, the company is said to have grown alongside the development of modern floorball and currently holds a strong international position in the sport.

In the deal details, WeSports Group acquires 80 percent of the shares in Renew, primarily deriving from the previous passive majority owner, while the founder and CEO, together with the deputy CEO, remain as long-term shareholders in the company. The agreement reflects a long-term ownership structure built on alignment and continued founder involvement. The initial upfront valuation is below 5x EV/EBITA, while the total valuation including earn-outs is in line with the Group’s target valuation range of 5 to 7x EV/EBITA. The acquisition is financed using existing cash reserves.

Following the transaction, Renew will continue to operate as an independent specialist company with its existing management, product development, and brand strategy. In 2025, Renew achieved net sales slightly above SEK 150 million and an EBITA just over 20 MSEK, a solid profitability above the Group’s margin.

“Renew represents everything we look for in a partner – strong own brands, deep expertise, passionate entrepreneurs, and a solid market position,” said Ted Sporre, CEO, WS WeSports Group AB. “Together, we see significant opportunities to further strengthen innovation, accelerate product development, and expand the international reach of floorball. Renew and Oxdog, which has been part of our Group since 2022, will continue to operate independently from their distinct brand positions, each contributing to the development of the sport. Our ambition is to support and grow together with the community for many years to come.”

Founded in Sweden, Renew is the owner of Unihoc – said to be the world’s largest and most established floorball brand – as well as the design-driven challenger brand Zone. Unihoc was founded in 1972 and has grown alongside the sport, making it the first and still active floorball brand in the world. Unihoc currently exports to more than 70 countries and serves as the official equipment supplier to the International Floorball Federation (IFF), supporting major global tournaments including the World Championships.

Zone, founded in 2001, has reportedly built a strong reputation through :innovation, lightweight technology, and distinctive collaborations,” offering a comprehensive product portfolio for the modern floorball player.

Renew operates from its headquarters, warehouse, and assembly facility in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company is led by founder Jan Inge Forsberg, a Swedish Floorball Hall of Famer, who will remain as an owner together with the existing management team – including several former elite players. Renew has built a leading position through its own brands and a clear focus on product innovation and athlete sponsorships.

“Since the beginning, our focus has been to develop floorball through innovation, quality, and passion for the sport. Becoming part of WeSports Group gives us additional financial strength and strategic support,” added Jan Inge Forsberg, founder and CEO, Renew Group Sweden. “Together, we can accelerate our international expansion and continue to develop the best floorball equipment.”

WeSports said that Renew now gains access to additional growth opportunities across multiple markets through the Group’s established digital platforms, logistics capabilities, and sales channels, . The Group’s decentralized model enables Renew to maintain its entrepreneurship and innovation, while benefiting from WeSports Group’s infrastructure and reach.

“Floorball is one of the largest team sports in the Nordics and the second largest in Sweden after football. With Renew joining WeSports Group, we further strengthen our position and offering to the community. In parallel, WeSports Group will work closely with clubs, federations, and athletes to support innovation, international expansion, as well as the continued development of floorball,” Sporre concluded.

Images courtesy Unihoc/Renew Group Sweden AB and Wikimedia Common