Scottish karting firm acquired

TeamSport, which currently operates 26 indoor karting venues across England and Wales, has successfully completed its acquisition of fellow operator ScotKart.

The deal with ScotKart will see its three karting tracks, two of which are in Glasgow and one in Dundee, added to TeamSport’s venue offering.

ScotKart’s laser tag businesses in Cambuslang, Glasgow and Dundee were also included in the deal.

TeamSport has announced plans to provide a further level of investment with a “significant programme of development” scheduled for the newly purchased tracks.

Dominic Gaynor, managing director of TeamSport, said the Scottish brand’s reputation was a key selling point.

He said: “We’re delighted to have finalised the acquisition of ScotKart.

“It’s a great, well known and much loved company which has many similarities to our existing business. This was what attracted us to the deal.

“The name ScotKart is synonymous with karting in Scotland so we intend to continue trading under this name and bookings will also continue through the friendly and professional events team based in Glasgow.”

The company’s expansion is continuing south of the Border as it has secured planning approval for a further three centres in England.

Founded in 1992, TeamSport has followed a significant growth plan over the last ten years and now employs more than 600 staff members in a mix of full-time and part-time roles.

Earlier this year, the company reported a turnover of more than £21 million for the year ended 30 June 2017, an increase from some £18.3m in the previous year.

However, it swung to a pre-tax loss of £761,000, compared with £718,000 in 2016.