Gearexposure

Black Diamond to acquire protective gear manufacturer POC

The big news today is Black Diamond announcing their intentions to buy Swedish company POC, designer and manufacturer of protective gear for action sport.

POC Sweden AB was founded in 2004 and has made its core activity producing high quality equipment for gravity sports such as snowboarding, skiing and cycling. Their catalog ranges from helmets and body armor to gloves, goggles and eyewear. They have received various industry recognitions like the  Volvo ISPO Sports Design Award.

The deal will allow Black Diamond to use POC patents and portfolio of technologies while POC will be able to rely of BD’s extensive distribution network.

Peter Metcalf, President and CEO of Black Diamond commented:

POC and Black Diamond were both founded as solutions-based companies, focused on providing unmatched personal protection for active outdoor athletes. We believe POC is one of the most innovative, fastest-growing and hottest brands in action sports protective gear today and a strong strategic addition to the Black Diamond platform.