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CARLSBAD, CALIF. AND DALLAS — Carlsbad, Calif.-based equipment and apparel manufacturer Callaway Golf Co. (NYSE: ELY) has completed its merger with Topgolf Entertainment Group. The deal was originally announced in October 2020. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Callaway issued approximately 90 million shares of its common stock to the shareholders of Topgolf, excluding Callaway, which previously held approximately 14 percent of Topgolf’s outstanding shares. Callaway shareholders now own approximately 51.3 percent of the outstanding shares of the newly combined entity, and former Topgolf shareholders (excluding Callaway) own approximately 48.7 percent. Both firms have strong real estate ties to Texas. Topgolf Is based in Dallas and operates approximately 15 percent of its 80 venues across the country in Texas markets. Callaway has been a longstanding industrial user at AllianceTexas in Fort Worth, recently expanding its total footprint at the Hillwood-owned development to roughly 784,000 square feet. “Callaway and Topgolf are just better together,” said Chip Brewer, president and CEO of Callaway. “Callaway’s leadership in the global golf equipment market and geographic diversity, combined with Topgolf’s revolutionary technology platform and access to golfers of all abilities, will allow both companies to accelerate growth and create competitive advantages.”

IRVING, TEXAS — Affiliates of Apollo Global Management Inc. (NYSE: APO) have entered into an agreement to buy discount retailer Michaels (NASDAQ: MIK) and take the company private in a deal that is valued at approximately $5 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Apollo will tender an offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Michaels common stock for $22 per share in cash. The purchase price represents a 47 percent premium over the Irving-based arts and crafts retailer’s closing stock price on Feb. 26, the last trading day prior to press speculation about a potential transaction involving Michaels. The deal is expected to close during the first half of Michaels’ fiscal year. “Michaels has continued to elevate its position as the leading player in the exciting arts and crafts industry,” said Andrew Jhawar, Apollo Global Management’s senior partner and head of retail and consumer group. “We believe there is a significant opportunity to enhance the Michaels brand, store experience and omnichannel offering to its customers across North America.” Michaels currently operates about 1,250 stores across the United States and Canada and employs approximately 45,000 people.