CCM Hockey to be Acquired by European PE Firm

CCM Hockey agreed to be acquired by Swedish private equity firm Altor. CCM’s management will reinvest in the company.

Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Bloomberg indicated the firm is being valued between €i500 million and €600 million ($550 to $660 million).

In April, reports arrived that Birch Hill Equity Partners, which acquired CCM from Adidas in 2016, had put the hockey brand on the selling block. Reebok bought CCM in 2004 and was then itself bought by Adidas in 2006.

Founder in 1899, Montreal-based CCM Hockey’s Tacks and JetSpeed hockey gear products are used by star ice hockey players including Auston Matthews, Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. In the Nordics, CCM has a history of building Nordic champions like Jofa and Koho.

CCM Hockey will remain headquartered in Montreal with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

“CCM is a fantastic company with an iconic brand and impressive history. We understand why sport lovers have turned to CCM for quality equipment for over a century. We are impressed by the durability and innovation that continues to keep the performance of their products at the forefront. We are excited to partner with the management team and accelerate the growth journey for CCM. Together we will continue the tradition of making sure that all players and goalies are represented in the best possible way in the sport they love.” says Andreas Källström Säfweräng, Partner and Head of the Consumer Sector at Altor.

“Over the years we have built a strong team, attracted loyal customers and placed products innovation at the center of our strategy to secure long term success. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we are entering an era where we will truly benefit from Altor’s long experience of backing renowned sporting and consumer brands and helping to unlock new growth opportunities. I am excited to join this partnership with Altor and reach the next levels on our growth journey together.” says Marrouane Nabih, CEO at CCM Hockey.

The CCM deal comes after Peak Achievement Athletics, the parent of CCM’s rival Bauer Hockey, reached an agreement to be acquired by Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings for an undisclosed price. Peak Achievement Athletics also owns Cascade and Maverik lacrosse gear.

The CCM transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including necessary regulatory clearances.

Photo courtesy CCM