Already a shell of its former self when it was THE destination for a number of girls’ team sports, including softball, field hockey and lacrosse, Longstreth Sporting Goods has been acquired by Roebling Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in Cincinnati, OH.

John Schaefer and David Dahle, co-owners of Longstreth, founded by Barbara Longstreth in 1977, operated one store, Longstreth Sporting Goods, in Spring City, PA, and the website, longstreth.com, focused on field hockey equipment, footwear and apparel.

The sale comes after BSN Sports acquired Longstreth’s lacrosse and softball team sports businesses and the exclusive rights to supply uniform or team apparel and footwear to Longstreth’s field hockey team customers back  2020. Longstreth retained its field hockey equipment business selling to field hockey teams/clubs, dealers, universities, high schools, and other institutions. It also continued the operations of the store.

“We were incredibly impressed with the brand recognition that the Longstreth name holds in the field hockey market,” said Wes Goebel, partner and managing director at Roebling Capital Partners. “John and David have done an exceptional job capitalizing on the legacy brand and propelling it to new heights since they acquired it. They are one of the most experienced management teams we’ve run across, and we’re extremely excited to get to work catalyzing long-term growth for Longstreth and the team.”

Andrew Dickow, managing director of GCG, added: “From the moment we began this journey, our mission was crystal clear: to honor and elevate the foundation laid out by Barbara Longstreth and continued by John and Dave. We needed a partner attuned to the aspirations of the shareholders and employees that aligned with Longstreth’s ethos. With Roebling Capital Partners, we found more than just a partner. We found a shared vision, a dedication to the mission, and a commitment to advancing the legacy of Longstreth with care and precision.”

In February 2021, Longstreth acquired Wilmington, MA-based CranBarry Inc., the second largest domestic supplier of field hockey equipment and a wholesale distributor to retailers from big chains, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, to independent specialty retailers.