The mountain climbing gear industry in the Nordics is thriving, characterized by companies dedicated to outdoor adventures. These firms manufacture and market a variety of products, including climbing equipment, clothing, and footwear tailored for mountain enthusiasts. The industry's growth is fueled by rising outdoor activity participation and an increasing focus on sustainability. Innovations in material technology enhance gear durability while minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, Nordic startups continuously explore niche markets, bringing fresh ideas in climbing gear to the forefront. As outdoor exploration gains popularity, the demand for high-quality, specialized equipment is expected to rise, making the future bright for this sector.


This list features an intriguing mix of investors involved in the mountain climbing gear sector in the Nordics. The group includes established corporate entities like Amer Sports and private equity firms such as Verdane. They operate from various headquarters across Finland, Norway, and Sweden, with sizes ranging from small teams to large corporations. Founded between the 1940s and 2010s, these investors collectively participated in over 57 deals in 2024, showcasing a robust interest in enhancing outdoor gear offerings. Their investments are helping to shape the industry's future by supporting innovative brands and sustainable practices.


Top 12 Mountain Climbing Gear Investors in the Nordics


1. Altor Equity Partners

  • Website: altor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: altor

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners. Altor has been involved in several notable transactions in the outdoor and sports equipment industry, including the acquisition of Rossignol, a prominent brand in skiing and outdoor sports, in July 2013. They also participated in funding rounds for Revolution Race, which specializes in outdoor apparel, and XXL Sport & Villmark, a retailer of outdoor sports equipment, indicating their commitment to the outdoor gear market. These transactions highlight Altor's strategic interest in companies that align with mountain climbing and outdoor activities, reinforcing their relevance in this sector.


2. Verdane

  • Website: verdane.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: verdane-capital

Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, particularly in technology-enabled companies, and provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane's investment strategy focuses on digitalization and decarbonization trends, primarily targeting technology companies looking to enhance their market position and operational efficiency. Notably, Verdane has been involved in several transactions relevant to the outdoor and mountain climbing gear sector, including the acquisition of Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, and Outnorth, which raised funds in 2010. These transactions highlight Verdane's commitment to the outdoor gear market, making them a significant player in this space.


3. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the outdoor and sports gear market, including the acquisition of Lundhags skomakarna in December 2006, a company known for its high-quality outdoor footwear and gear, which is relevant to mountain climbing. Furthermore, their acquisition of a majority stake in XXL Sport & Villmark in June 2010 highlights their commitment to the sports retail sector, which includes outdoor and climbing equipment. These strategic investments demonstrate EQT's engagement in the mountain climbing gear industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


4. Amer Sports

  • Website: amersports.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1950
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: amer-sports

Amer Sports, Inc. is a prominent sporting goods manufacturer and retailer based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1950. The company offers a diverse range of products, including sporting equipment, footwear, and apparel through its well-known brands like Salomon and Wilson. Amer Sports serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts globally, providing high-quality gear designed to enhance performance and enjoyment in various sports. Notably, Amer Sports has made significant acquisitions that bolster its position in the outdoor sports market, including the acquisition of Salomon, an action and outdoor sports business, and Armada Skis, which focuses on winter sports equipment. These transactions reflect Amer Sports' commitment to expanding its offerings in the outdoor and mountain sports sectors, making it a key player in the mountain climbing gear industry.


5. Adelis Equity Partners


Adelis Equity Partners is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on growing businesses in the Nordic region and provides investment management and strategic consulting services across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and business services. Notably, Adelis has made significant investments in the sports equipment industry, including the acquisition of a 70% stake in Intersport Sweden, a prominent sportswear and equipment retailer, in June 2015. This acquisition suggests a strategic interest in the sports and outdoor gear market, which encompasses mountain climbing gear. Additionally, they acquired Didriksons, a brand known for outdoor clothing, further emphasizing their commitment to the outdoor and sports sector.


6. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment. Accent Equity aims to create sustainable growth and superior returns for its clientele across various sectors. Notably, they acquired Mont Blanc in December 2007, a company known for its mountain climbing gear, which highlights their involvement in the outdoor and adventure sports market. Additionally, they have made several other acquisitions, including Unisport, HOOKS HASTSPORT, and Nordic Shelter Solutions, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while maintaining a significant presence in the outdoor equipment sector.


7. FSN Capital Partners

  • Website: fsncapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: fsn-capital

FSN Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including services, green transition, industrials, and technology, with a focus on driving growth and transformation in its portfolio companies. Notably, FSN Capital has made significant investments in the sporting goods industry, particularly through its acquisition of Active Brands AS in 2017, a Norwegian supplier of premium sporting goods brands. This acquisition aimed to enhance Active Brands' position in the Nordics and accelerate its international growth, indicating FSN Capital's commitment to the sporting goods market. Additionally, FSN Capital has been involved in other transactions, such as the acquisition of Morenot and bygghemma, further showcasing their active investment strategy.


8. New Wave Group

  • Website: nwg.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: new-wave-group

New Wave Group AB is a corporate investor based in Gothenburg, Sweden, specializing in the creation, acquisition, and development of brands and products across various sectors, including corporate, sports, gifts, and home. Founded in 1990, the company has a workforce of 1001-5000 employees and has made significant strides in the outdoor apparel market. Notably, in June 2023, New Wave Group acquired Tenson AB, an outdoor brand, for SEK 1, with an estimated equity value of at least SEK 6.53 million. This acquisition is part of their strategy to enhance their presence in the outdoor segment, leveraging Tenson's brand value, which is estimated at around SEK 31 million. Additionally, they acquired Craft North America in 2013, further solidifying their foothold in the sports and outdoor apparel market. These transactions highlight New Wave Group's commitment to expanding its portfolio in areas that may include mountain climbing gear, making them a notable player in this space.


9. Thule Group

  • Website: thulegroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sweden
  • Founded year: 1942
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: thule

Thule Group AB is a Swedish manufacturer founded in 1942, specializing in outdoor and transportation products designed for active families and outdoor enthusiasts. The company is known for its high-quality cargo carriers, roof racks, and bags that simplify the logistics of outdoor activities. In recent years, Thule Group has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the adventure segment. Notably, they acquired Tepui Outdoors, Inc., a leading North American rooftop tent company, for $9.5 million in December 2018, aiming to bolster their offerings for outdoor adventurers. Additionally, in December 2019, they acquired Denver Outfitters, a company specializing in roof rack-mounted fly fishing rod vaults, further expanding their product range for outdoor activities. These transactions reflect Thule Group's commitment to supporting an active lifestyle, which resonates with the mountain climbing community.


10. Scope


Scope is an investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2001. They focus on building and managing consumer brands, providing investment and advisory services to entrepreneurs and management teams to help them transition to sustainable growth. Notably, Scope has invested in Klättermusen AB, which raised approximately $4.7 million in a venture round in September 2013. Klättermusen is known for its high-quality outdoor and climbing gear, emphasizing sustainability and performance. Additionally, Scope has invested in other brands like Happy Plugs, but their involvement with Klättermusen highlights their commitment to the mountain climbing gear sector.


11. Ferd AS

  • Website: ferd.no
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: ferd-as

Ferd AS is a private equity investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1998. The firm focuses on creating lasting value through various business activities, including investment management, real estate development, and support for social entrepreneurs. Ferd AS has partnered with businesses to enhance their growth and impact, while also engaging in initiatives that promote social entrepreneurship. Notably, Ferd AS was involved in a private equity round for Swix Sport in 2010, a company that produces outdoor and sports equipment, including items relevant to mountain climbing. This investment indicates Ferd AS's engagement in the outdoor gear market. Additionally, they participated in a post-IPO equity round for NKT A/S in 2017, although this transaction is less relevant to the mountain climbing gear context.


12. Ingman Group

  • Website: ingman.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1929
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1

Ingman Group is a multisectoral company based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 1929. The company specializes in food production, technology services, and investment management, offering a diverse range of products including dairy, ice cream, and outdoor clothing. Notably, Ingman Group acquired Halti Oy on June 21, 2012, a company known for its outdoor clothing and gear, which positions Ingman Group as a player in the outdoor and mountain climbing gear market. This acquisition reflects their commitment to enhancing their portfolio in sectors related to outdoor activities, thereby providing them with the necessary resources and expertise to serve businesses in the outdoor gear industry.



Mountain Climbing Gear Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Amer SportsHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland10001+19500
Adelis Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5020123
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
FSN Capital PartnersOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019990
New Wave GroupGothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden1001-500019900
Thule GroupSweden1001-500019421
ScopeStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020010
Ferd ASOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019980
Ingman GroupHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1019291


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