Apollo Funds Acquires Minority Stake in TradeInn

TradeInn, a global online sports equipment specialist, has announced a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. One of the Apollo Funds associated with the firm’s Hybrid Value franchise has acquired the minority stake in TradeInn Retail Services previously held by Suma Capital and other shareholders. 

This strategic transaction makes Apollo a shareholder in TradeInn, reinforcing the company's mission to become the leading online retailer of sports equipment in Europe.

TradeInn Strengthens Its Position with Apollo Partnership

The acquisition marks a new chapter in TradeInn's evolution. Founded and led by David Martin, who remains CEO and retains his equity stake, TradeInn is poised to benefit from Apollo’s resources and strategic expertise, thereby accelerating its international expansion.

“We are delighted to embark on the next chapter of our journey with Apollo, whose recognition of our potential and commitment to our vision will help propel TradeInn into its next phase of expansion,” said David Martin, CEO and founder of TradeInn.

From Suma Capital to Apollo: A Decade of Growth

Suma Capital, which acquired a 30% stake in TradeInn in 2015, has now fully exited its investment following a highly successful partnership. Under David Martin’s leadership, and with Suma Capital’s backing, TradeInn has grown its sales more than tenfold, expanded its product categories, and enhanced its logistics capabilities with over 30,000 square meters of storage space.

“As outgoing shareholders of TradeInn, we are very proud of the successful collaboration that has driven the company’s significant growth,” said Enrique Tombas, Managing Director of Suma Capital.

TradeInn by the Numbers

• €554 million in revenue in 2024
  
• 3.5+ million products available
  
• 12,500+ brands
  
• Presence in 190+ countries
  
• 85% of sales generated outside Spain
  
• 18 specialized sports categories
  

These figures underscore TradeInn’s status as a genuinely international e-commerce platform with substantial brand equity among sports and outdoor enthusiasts.

Apollo Sees Long-Term Potential

Apollo is optimistic about the role TradeInn will play in shaping the future of online sports retail in Europe and beyond.

“TradeInn has built a leading sports e-commerce company in Europe with a clear track record of strong, sustained growth,” said Javier Valle, Managing Director of Apollo’s Hybrid Value Fund.

Strategic Advisors and Legal Counsel

The transaction involved leading advisory and legal teams:

• Deutsche Bank acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the sellers.
  
• PwC and Auren provided legal and due diligence support.
  
• Linklaters and Lazard advised Apollo on the buy side.