Columbia Sportswear has acquired substantially all of the assets of Montrail, Inc. for cash consideration of $15 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities.

Montrail is recognized around the world as a premium outdoor footwear brand with a reputation for delivering technical, high performance trail running, hiking, and climbing footwear for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a brand best known for its commitment to creating a best-fit, high performance and high quality product.

“We see this as an exciting opportunity for both Montrail and Columbia. Montrail is known for making authentic, premium footwear products for the outdoor enthusiast and the brand has an excellent reputation for fit, quality and use of technology in its footwear,” said Tim Boyle, President and CEO of Columbia Sportswear. “We understand the unique value, positioning and integrity of the Montrail brand and we believe we can leverage our sourcing, logistics, and capital strength to develop even more opportunities for the Montrail product. Leveraging the performance and fit characteristics of the Montrail branded products will improve the fit and quality of our other footwear brands as well.”

“The acquisition of Montrail adds a pinnacle brand to the Columbia portfolio of footwear. Montrail carved its niche in the specialty outdoor market by creating a better fit and pioneering high performance lightweight footwear,” said Menno van Wyk, CEO of Montrail, Inc. “Superior products will continue to be a hallmark of the Montrail brand. Columbia's sourcing, worldwide distribution systems, and efficient operations will give Montrail products a competitive advantage. In particular, the Columbia infrastructure will help us to design and develop ever-better Montrail products and more efficiently deliver them into the hands of discerning users.”

Brad Gebhard, Vice President of Footwear at Columbia, will now be responsible for design and merchandising for all of the company's footwear brands including Columbia, Montrail, and Sorel. Scott Tucker, former President of Montrail, Inc., will lead the Montrail brand as General Manager.