Equip buys Lowe Alpine, will bring it back to the UK

If Equip doesn’t ring a bell to you, maybe its portfolio of companies will. Currently owning Rab, Podsacs and Outdoor Designs, the UK based company has announced its acquisition of world renowned brand Lowe Alpine, and all its assets.

Lowe Alpine started in 1967 in Colorado, USA, and has since been a pioneer in outdoor backpacks and clothing. Recently owned by Italian investors and in some financial trouble, it announced the discontinuation of its clothing line to focus and the packs segment.

Equip is believed to have, since last summer, tried to purchase Lowe Alpine and concluded an agreement on the 8th July 2011.

Commenting on the acquisition, Matt Gowar, Owner of Equip, said:

“I have long admired Lowe Alpine, and it has been an inspiration to me during the 20 years that I have been working in the outdoor industry. I am delighted to become associated with one of the cornerstone brands of our industry”

Lowe Alpine will now be transferred to the UK, Kendal, where its pack division is. Equip has also talked about their firm intentions to re establish the clothing segment in “double quick time”. Although part of the Equip Outdoor Technologies group, Lowe Alpine will keep a separate development team.

“We think that there is a huge potential to develop Lowe Alpine clothing. It is probably the case that it lost its way a little over the last few years, but we are confident that we can build upon its great heritage to bring it back to being a formidable outdoor clothing brand once again. However, it is vitally important that both Rab and Lowe Alpine maintain their unique individuality with each brand having their own identities and positions in the market”

said Chris Harding, Managing Director at Equip.

It looks like this gem of outdoor history and innovation is in good hands with Equip and we can’t wait to see what the new lines will bring us.

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