이 기사는 2021년 11월 14일 16:16 thebell 에 표출된 기사입니다.

US-based golf gear maker TaylorMade Golf, which was acquired by Seoul-based private equity firm Centroid Investment Partners in August this year, is growing at a rapid speed, with its revenue increasing more than 50% from a year ago.

Taylormade recorded $1.16 billion in revenue (1.38 trillion won) during the first nine months of this year, up nearly 60% from $737 million from a year ago, said industry source on Thursday.

The surge in revenue is attributable to the pandemic-driven golf boom. The company’s revenue in the U.S. market jumped by 59.6%. Its revenue increased by 62.7% in Europe, 63.1% in Japan, and 56.5% in Korea.

TaylorMade’s revenue in the Korean market is expected to further increase next year following Centroid and its strategic investor F&F’s acquisition of the golf equipment company.

Revenue of golf clubs surged by 61% from a year ago, with revenue of golf balls and golf wear and accessories increasing 52% and 47%, respectively, from a year earlier.

The bulk of TaylorMade’s revenue comes from golf clubs, so the company plans to invest more in golf balls and golf wear businesses. TaylorMade has already witnessed growth potential of the golf ball business, as its share in the golf ball market nearly doubled to 12% in 2020 from 6% in 2015.

TaylorMade has acquired 100% of Nassau Golf for 20 billion won at the end of last month in a move to expand its golf ball operations. Nearly 70% of Nassau Golf’s revenue comes from TaylorMade’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products. It produces five million dozen golf balls per year. TaylorMade plans to expand production by investing in and upgrading production lines.

Hansung F.I, which is TaylorMade’s existing apparel business partner, will continue to be in charge of domestic golf wear market while F&F will focus on the overseas market.

Centroid is growing into a major buyout firm through its TaylorMade acquisition. TaylorMade’s corporate value is expected to sharply increase next year as its golf ball and golf apparel businesses will pick up steam. The buyout firm plans to list the golf equipment company in four to five years on the back of the company’s strong financial performance. (Reporting by Se-hun Jo)