Helly Hansen has agreed to resume control of its Canadian Workwear distribution, sales, and marketing from licensee Climate Technical Gear as part of its commitment to growing its market presence and unifying its brand.
The acquisition is a reflection of Helly Hansen’s strengthened presence in North America across its Sports and Workwear divisions, according to Gary Davis, Vice President, Helly Hansen Leisure Canada.
“Canada has been one of Helly Hansen’s strongest growth markets for the Sport business over the last decade globally,” Davis said. “Likewise, CTG has done an exceptional job working with Helly Hansen to build the brand’s Workwear business over the last 30 years in the oil and gas, safety, industrial and fishing markets. The acquisition is a natural progression that will help advance Helly Hansen’s abilities to serve the market, and strengthen the business across the country.”
Under the agreement, Climate Technical Gear will continue to operate as an independent manufacturer and supplier of engineered industrial products, including to Helly Hansen Workwear. Helly Hansen Workwear distribution, sales, marketing, and accounting functions will be integrated into the Helly Hansen Leisure Canada, Inc. operations, in Richmond, B.C., effective September 2013.
“For the transitioning members of the Climate organization joining the Helly Hansen team, it will be very exciting to be able to leverage the global infrastructure and expertise of Helly Hansen,” says Shawn Amirault, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Climate Technical Gear. “Being part of a world leader in product development and design will stimulate further growth of the Canadian work wear market. In addition, combining the strengths and best practices of the Climate and Helly Hansen business will only enable greater customer satisfaction. Utilizing the Helly Hansen layering system will create a one-stop shopping experience for work wear customers that has never been seen before to this level in Canada.”
Over the coming months, the integration of the product lines, website, and sales materials will be consolidated into the Helly Hansen Workwear line for a unified brand presence. The acquisition provides access to increased selling and promotional tools for Helly Hansen Workwear dealers and distributors in the Canadian market.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to unite the Workwear business in Canada with our growing Sport business,” says Erik Burbank, Vice President of Global Marketing for Helly Hansen. “This move allows us to leverage the full strength of Helly Hansen’s global brand and marketing platforms to better serve our Canadian customers and consumers, and continue our rapid growth in the region.”
