Open Air Group (OAG) acquires Norwegian company Aclima, the leading manufacturer of professional and outdoor merino wool clothing in the Nordics. The acquisition of Aclima broadens OAG’s operations and strengthens the offering within the outdoor segment.
Norwegian company Aclima joins Open Air Group, the Swedish company group focusing on products for hunting, dogs and outdoor life. Aclima is a third-generation family business focusing on professional and outdoor clothing made from merino wool. The acquisition of Aclima is the first within the outdoor segment for OAG and also the first acquisition made in Norway.
- The interest for high quality and sustainable outdoor clothing continues to grow and we can see, not least on our e-commerce platform, that Aclima is very popular. We have always been impressed by the quality of Aclima products and they have seen strong growth during the last couple of years. The company’s continuous focus on the merino wool fiber, with all its great qualities, and in Aclima’s case, 100% traceable, makes Aclima well positioned for the future. OAG already has a strong platform within hunting however, the acquisition of Aclima strengthens our offering within the outdoor segment. We are very happy to welcome Aclima to the OAG family, says Camilo Sjödin, CEO, Open Air Group.
Aclima was founded in 1939 and is today the Nordic market leader within professional and outdoor merino wool clothing, with a turnover of around 200m NOK. In addition to being a favorite brand of outdoor enthusiasts, Aclima also supply wool underwear to police, rescue and military services across the world. The company owns and operates its own manufacturing site in Estonia, providing full insight and control over the supply chain, ensuring the high product quality. Aclima will continue to be managed by the founding family, today represented by second and third generation Johansen – Jan and Lars, along with CEO, Hans Petter Jacobsen.
- The textile industry has changed fundamentally since I ran a small knitting shop in the 70's and by never compromising on quality, we have been able to grow from a small local player to the business we have today. Now the journey continues into the next phase and the future will require a new type of expertise to stay at the forefront of satisfying customers' needs. As we now become an important part of OAG, this strengthens our future competitiveness in developing our offering, good support functions and financial stability. Aclima will be able to focus even more on functional products produced in a as environmentally friendly way as possible and reach even more customers, says Jan Johansen, Chairman, Aclima.
OAG has grown significantly since the start in 2016 with a turnover of around 700m SEK, and today consists of three divisions; Retail, with e-commerce in Sweden, Norway, and Finland; Tech, with electronics and apps for hunting, and Brands, with a focus on clothing and equipment for hunting and outdoor life. Aclima will continue to operate as an independent brand and organization but will be a part of OAG's Brands division.
- Aclima is a very well-run company and has a very good team. We see great value in the fact that the founding family Johansen and CEO Hans Petter will continue to be active and central in the development of the company. For generations, the company has built up extensive knowledge in everything from design to sustainable production and sourcing and this competence will be very valuable to us. Aclima will be an important part of our focus on, and the development of, the offering within the outdoor segment, says Camilo Sjödin.
With the acquisition, OAG becomes the main owner of Aclima. Jan and Lars Johansen will continue in their operational roles in the business and also remain on the company's board. Jan and Lars will also become minority shareholders in OAG. The transaction is expected to be completed in January after review by competition authorities.
For further questions:
Camilo Sjödin, CEO Open Air Group AB +46 70 333 65 06, camilo.sjodin@openairgroup.se
Jan Johansen, Chairman Aclima AS
+47 900 92 315, jan@aclima.no Stockholm 2021-12-20
Open Air Group AB Email: info@openairgroup.se Phone: +46 70 333 65 06 Address: Sveavägen 168, SE-113 46 Stockholm www.openairgroup.se
About Open Air Group Open Air Group is a group of companies with operations in Sweden, Norway and Finland and consists of the brands Chevalier, Tracker, Ultracom, WeHunt, Alaska 1795, Burrel, Valio, Garphyttan and Aclima as well as the e-retailers Widforss.se, Widforss.no, Retkitukku.fi and Koiravaruste.fi. The goal is to become the Nordic market leader in the development and sale of products for hunting, dogs and outdoor life.
About Aclima Aclima AS was founded by Eivind Johansen in 1939 as a local textile manufacturer in Drammen, Norway. For three generations, Aclima has developed into a specialist in functional underwear where wool is the main component. The products include underwear, base and mid-layers, training products, hats and mittens in wool. Aclima AS had a turnover of about 200 million NOK in 2021 and about 100 employees in Norway, Sweden and Estonia.
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