Montane, the U.K. outdoor clothing and accessories company, said Edinburgh-based specialist consumer brand investor Inverleith LLP has secured a majority stake in the company.
Montane has established itself as a European specialist brand of lightweight, breathable outdoor clothing and equipment for mountain sports. Established in 1993, Montane serves active hillwalkers, mountaineers, climbers and trail runners. Its range has steadily expanded to encompass a broad range of outerwear, mid- and base layers, legwear, backpacks and accessories for men and women with its products sold both in the UK and internationally.
The company, based in Ashington in the North of England, is endorsed by professionals within the mountain sports category as well as being the British Mountaineering Council’s recommended clothing and pack partner. The company is also a headline sponsor of events such as the Tor des Géants, The Montane Lakeland 100, The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra, and The Montane Spine Race.
The investment from Inverleith LLP will see the company expand the distribution of its products both in the UK and internationally, with a greater focus on product development.
Montane’s Managing Director Jake Doxat stated, “I am delighted to have secured Inverleith LLP as the majority investor into Montane. After over two decades at the helm, it is time to hand over the reins of Montane to a passionate new owner who recognizes the strength of Montane’s differentiated position, who shares the company’s values and beliefs and who has the consumer and commercial expertise to help steer the company to its next level of growth. I am confident that Montane will continue its positive momentum under its new and complementary majority shareholder. I look forward to continuing to contribute to Montane’s growth as a Board Director.”
Following the majority sale to Inverleith LLP, after a period of transition, Doxat will step back from the day-to-day management of the company, while remaining a minority shareholder, Board Director and focusing on a new role as a global brand ambassador for the company.
Inverleith LLP Managing Partner, Paul Skipworth, said, “I am delighted to see Montane join the Inverleith family of consumer brands. Consumers in this area are seeking brands with heritage, authenticity and credibility; brands that are both highly functional, yet also attractively designed. Montane fits these requirements as a company and brand that has been built steadily over the last 25 years and has become recognized and admired within this environment. We look forward to enabling an even wider audience to engage with Montane in the UK and internationally, helping them to fuel their passion for outdoor sports with a ‘Further. Faster.’ mindset.”
Inverleith’s investment portfolio includes majority stakes in The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, food and drink firm Good Hemp and artisan chocolate brand Montezuma’s. The company invests in the health and wellbeing, lifestyle and heritage sectors.
Photo courtesy Montane
