Dains advises outdoor equipment specialist on Lowe Alpine acquisition

Deal summary

Equip Outdoor Technologies, based in Derbyshire, UK, have announced that they have agreed the purchase of the internationally renowned Lowe Alpine brand and all its associated assets for an undisclosed amount.

Equip, a private UK company owned by Matt Gowar, has grown rapidly in recent years following its acquisition of the Rab and Pod brands to emerge as one of Europe’s fastest growing suppliers of specialist outdoor clothing and equipment. Following this latest announcement the Lowe Alpine group of companies in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands will now operate as subsidiaries of Equip Outdoor Technologies.

Lowe Alpine is one of the world’s true heritage brands and has a worldwide reputation for its innovative and high quality backpacks and clothing. Lowe Alpine will now move back to the UK and its base in Kendal, Cumbria will once again become the company’s international headquarters where its current UK operations and the packs development team are based. In addition to continuing to develop its world leading backpacks line, Equip are intent on re-establishing the Lowe Alpine clothing line in double quick time.

With the acquisition of Lowe Alpine, Equip Outdoor Technologies will further strengthened its brand portfolio and intends to significantly develop its brands globally in the coming years.

What our clients said

Commenting on the acquisition, Matt Gowar 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.

"The current UK, German and Dutch management teams together with the packs and sales teams in the Kendal office will provide a great platform to spearhead the growth of Lowe Alpine, returning it once again to its pinnacle position in the outdoors.

"We all feel very excited to have been able to secure the Lowe Alpine brand ahead of others who clearly wanted it and we see an exciting future ahead for Lowe Alpine.”

What we said

Roy Farmer of Dains Corporate Finance said:“The strength of the Lowe Alpine brand will only grow under the leadership of Matt and the Equip team. This deal shows us that nothing is out of reach or impossible to achieve and that if you have the ambition when the opportunity presents itself, then you can acquire worldwide brands which will only accelerate the growth of the firm.”