UAE’s homegrown conglomerate establishes its Asian headquarters in Malaysia to oversee operations in the region and pursue further expansion and growth
UAE, January 25, 2023: GMG, a global well-being company retailing, distributing, and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and homegrown brands across sport, food, and health sectors, today unveiled its aggressive growth plans in Southeast Asia. GMG, UAE’s homegrown conglomerate with a rich 45-years legacy, aims to open 100 new stores by 2025 to support its ambitious Southeast Asia expansion plans. The company has opened 31 stores across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia since entering the SEA market in 2020.
In a defining move in December 2020, GMG acquired RSH, one of the largest multi-brand sports retailers in Southeast Asia, establishing its footprint in key international markets with a potential customer base of up to 700 million people.
Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO, GMG, said: “We started a new chapter of expansion by establishing GMG on the global marketplace a couple of years ago. We have taken a step forward to establish our new Asian headquarters in Malaysia, enabling GMG to capitalize on the burgeoning sports retail industry in Asia. We have designed an aggressive roadmap for our brands in this region, and this move will also allow us to serve our Southeast Asian customers better, closer to home,” added Baker.
GMG’s sprawling 28,000 sq. ft. Asian headquarters located in, The Exchange 106 Tower, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will oversee regional operations and prove to be a catalyst for further expansion and growth. Currently, GMG employs 1,200 people across Asia.
GMG also recently unveiled a new brand identity for RSH, which places the community at its core, redefining sport for all by being real, relevant, and fun. The newly revamped RSH brand aims to help customers from all walks of life “find their rhythm” through sport. The unveiling took place at the launch of a new RSH store at Tropicana Gardens Mall in Petaling Jaya, outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The GMG Sports division comprises a diversified portfolio of homegrown concepts and international powerhouse brands such as Nike, Columbia, Jordan, The North Face, Timberland, Vans, and more. GMG Sports’ successful homegrown concepts include Sun & Sand Sports, Dropkick, Nu Athlete, Pedaliere, and Basketbolista.
Since 1977, Royal Sporting House (RSH), part of GMG, has been a focal point for all to pursue their passion for sport. Home to big-name brands such as Nike, adidas, PUMA, Under Armour, ASICS, New Balance, and more, the brand has helped individuals and families across Southeast Asia stay active and healthy for decades.
About GMG
GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing, and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and homegrown brands across sport, food, and health sectors. Its vision is to inspire people to win in ways that make the world better. Today GMG’s investments span across four key verticals: GMG Sports, GMG Food, GMG Health, and GMG Consumer Goods.
In 2020, GMG acquired Royal Sporting House, a leading multi-brand sports retailer in Singapore and Malaysia, extending its reach into key Asian markets with a potential customer base of up to 700 million people. In 2022, GMG further expanded its Asia footprint with the acquisition of Nike-only stores from SUTL Corporation.
Under the ownership and management of the Baker family, GMG has become a leading global company affiliated with the world’s most successful and respected brands in the well-being sector. Working across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, it has introduced more than 120 brands into its markets, including international brands such as Nike, Converse, and Timberland.
