The buzz at ISPO on Monday was all about the BIG news from Wild Country - rumours were going round that it had been sold. I managed to get the details from a delighted Martin Atkinson who told me that the Italian company Salewa had bought Wild Country to strengthen their gear range. Wild Country had been based in Llanberis for the last year or so in an awkward alliance with DMM. This deal now frees up both Wild Country and DMM to concentrate on what they do best - making great climbing gear.
Below is the Press release from Wild Country
Wild Country is pleased to announce that it has joined the Italian SALEWA group of companies. The move sees the mountain sports specialist from South Tyrol and the UK's leading rock climbing equipment manufacturer put the seal on a synergy of rock climbing expertise. The SALEWA name has been synonymous with alpine expertise for over 75 years. Bringing Wild Country into the SALEWA family enables it to add the UK company's in-depth specialist climbing knowledge to its own many years of mountain sport experience.
The SALEWA Group is the new owner of Wild Country. The link-up looks set for great success given that the mountain sports brand from Bolzano and the Tideswell climbing specialist share more than just a passion for climbing. Like SALEWA, Wild Country is an owner-managed company. It's no coincidence that both have their headquarters right in the shadows of the mountains. Wild Country will return to the centre of UK climbing, the much loved Peak District. SALEWA's HQ is in the heart of the Italian Dolomites.
Both firms trace their histories way back and are renowned for their innovative product ranges. They share a common ethos based on a commitment to clean climbing. Through the merge, the mountain sports specialist from South Tyrol continues to develop and grow its business. Wild Country brings an unparalleled heritage and technical knowledge to the mix and will reap the benefits of being part of a larger group.
Wild Country was the brainchild of climbing enthusiasts. It specialises in high-quality, technical rock climbing products. The product range encompasses gear for all climbing disciplines – trad, sports, bouldering, indoor and alpine. The English climbing specialist's products will continue to be proudly marketed under the Wild Country brand name.
"With the merger, we have combined two companies who speak the same language. It marks the realisation of a dream to have this genuine climbing gear brand on board", confirms Heiner Oberrauch, President of the SALEWA Group.
The Wild Country brand is, with immediate effect, a member of the Salewa Group portfolio alongside the brands Salewa, Dynafit, Silvretta and Pomoca.
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