The hunting gear retail industry in Europe caters to outdoor enthusiasts by offering a range of products including firearms, apparel, and accessories tailored for various hunting activities. This sector features companies specializing in outdoor sporting goods, often emphasizing quality, durability, and performance to enhance the hunting experience. Recent trends show a growing demand for eco-friendly gear, pushing manufacturers toward sustainable practices and materials. Additionally, advancements in technology have led to smart gear innovations, indicating a shift in how companies meet the needs of modern hunters. Overall, this industry is poised for growth with an increasing focus on responsible hunting and outdoor experiences.

This article presents a selection of investors in the hunting gear retail market across Europe. Featured investors include private equity firms like Verdane and corporate entities such as Frasers Group. The list includes firms headquartered in key cities like Oslo and London, varying in size from small startups to large corporations. Founded from 1945 and onward, these investors made notable strides in 2024, participating in a combined total of over 86 transactions, underscoring their commitment to promoting growth in this captivating sector focused on outdoor adventures.

Top 16 Hunting Gear Retail Investors in Europe

1. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the outdoor and adventure gear sector, such as Alpkit, which raised £2.25m to expand its outdoor clothing and equipment retail operations. Other relevant transactions include Tentsile and Planks Clothing, both of which focus on outdoor gear. These investments highlight Crowdcube's engagement with companies that may cater to the hunting gear retail market, making it a noteworthy player in this space.

2. Frasers Group

• Website: frasers.group
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn: frasers-group

Frasers Group plc is a prominent retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates a diverse range of brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including well-known names like Sports Direct and Jack Wills. The company offers a wide array of products, including clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, catering to consumers seeking various retail options and fitness solutions. Notably, Frasers Group has made significant acquisitions in the outdoor and sporting goods market, including Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in 2017 and Field & Trek.Com Ltd in 2007, both of which are relevant to the hunting gear retail sector. Their recent acquisition of Twinsport in 2024 further emphasizes their strategy to expand in this area. With a total of 20 investments in 2024, Frasers Group continues to strengthen its position in the retail landscape, making it a noteworthy investor in the hunting gear retail space.

3. 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 has been involved in several notable transactions in the outdoor and hunting gear retail sector. For instance, they acquired Hylte Jakt och Lantman, a company that specializes in hunting and outdoor products, aiming to create a leading Nordic niche e-tailer in this space. Additionally, their acquisition of Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, further demonstrates their commitment to the outdoor and hunting markets. These transactions highlight Verdane's strategic interest in the hunting gear retail industry, despite their broader focus on technology and digitalization trends.

4. Kima Ventures

• Website: kimaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors. The firm is known for its rapid investment pace, backing two startups per week, providing them with both financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Hardloop, a French outdoor sports e-tailer that raised €3 million in 2022, indicating a focus on outdoor and potentially hunting-related products. They also participated in the funding of Barooders, a marketplace for used sporting goods, which further highlights their interest in the sporting goods sector. These transactions reflect Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that align with outdoor activities, including hunting gear retail.

5. 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 founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the retail sector, including the acquisition of XXL Sport & Villmark, a leading sports retail chain in the Nordic region, which is likely to include hunting gear. They also acquired Lundhags skomakarna, known for outdoor gear, and Granngården, the largest retail chain of its kind in Sweden, which may also offer hunting-related products. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in the outdoor and sporting goods market, making them a relevant player in the hunting gear retail industry.

6. 3i Group plc

• Website: 3i.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the outdoor retail sector, including a £28 million acquisition of a minority stake in GO Outdoors, which specializes in outdoor and hunting gear. This investment supports GO Outdoors' growth plans to expand its store network, indicating 3i's commitment to the outdoor retail market. Additionally, their acquisition of Rohan Designs, a company known for outdoor clothing, further emphasizes their focus on the outdoor lifestyle sector. These transactions highlight 3i Group's strategic interest in companies that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, including those involved in hunting gear retail.

7. 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 actively involved in the outdoor and sporting goods market, as evidenced by their investment in XXL Sport & Villmark, which raised over $8.9 million in post-IPO equity, and their acquisition of Rossignol, a prominent brand in outdoor sports equipment. Additionally, Altor has participated in funding rounds for other companies like Revolution Race and Dale of Norway, which also cater to outdoor enthusiasts. These transactions highlight Altor's commitment to investing in businesses that align with the outdoor lifestyle, including hunting gear retail.

8. Ldc

• Website: ldc.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. It specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notable transactions include a significant minority stake in Mountain Warehouse, an outdoor clothing retailer, and the acquisition of American Golf, which operates in the sporting goods sector. Additionally, LDC has invested in brands like Joules and ZyroFisher, further showcasing its diverse portfolio in retail and outdoor-related businesses.

9. Equistone Partners Europe

• Website: equistonepe.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: equistone-partners-europe-limited

Equistone Partners Europe is a private equity investment firm based in London, specializing in management buyouts and growth capital for mid-market companies across Europe. Founded in 1979, the firm focuses on long-term growth and impressive returns for its investors by partnering with management teams. Notable transactions include the acquisition of POLO Motorrad und Sportswear GmbH, a leading motorcycle clothing and accessories retailer, and Sportsbikeshop Ltd., a market leader in motorcycle gear sales. These investments highlight Equistone's engagement in the retail sector, particularly in areas related to outdoor and sports gear, which may align with the hunting gear retail industry.

10. Mobeus

• Website: mobeus.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: mobeus-equity-partners

Mobeus Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in equity investments in UK-based SMEs, partnering with management teams to provide funding for management buyouts and equity releases, facilitating growth and strategic development. Mobeus operates across various sectors, including business services and healthcare, but has also made notable investments in the outdoor and sports industries. For instance, they acquired Equip Outdoor Technologies, a company involved in outdoor gear, which may include hunting equipment. Additionally, their investment in Wetsuit Outlet, a retailer of technical clothing and equipment for water sports, highlights their interest in outdoor activities, with plans to expand into equestrian and field sports, potentially overlapping with hunting gear retail. Overall, Mobeus aims to deliver strong returns for stakeholders while exploring diverse investment opportunities.

11. Groupe Crédit Agricole

• Website: credit-agricole.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1894
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a focus on mutuality and social responsibility. In 2024, Crédit Agricole was involved in 18 investments, including notable transactions such as Snowleader, which raised over $7.9 million in debt financing, indicating a commitment to supporting outdoor and sporting goods retailers. Additionally, their investment in Rodhouse, a startup that has received funding to support its growth, further highlights their interest in companies that may intersect with outdoor activities. While their portfolio is diverse, these transactions suggest a potential alignment with the hunting gear retail sector.

12. Adelis Equity Partners

• Website: adelisequity.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: adelis-equity-partners

Adelis Equity Partners is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in growing businesses in the Nordic region, providing investment management and strategic consulting services across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and business services. Notably, Adelis has made significant investments in the retail sector, including the acquisition of Intersport Sweden and INTERSPORT Sverige AB, both of which are prominent retailers in sportswear and sporting equipment. These transactions highlight Adelis's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the retail space, which is relevant to the hunting gear market. Additionally, they acquired Didriksons, a brand known for outdoor clothing, further emphasizing their focus on outdoor and sporting goods.

13. Equip Outdoor Technologies

• Website: equipuk.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Alfreton, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1993
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: equip-outdoor-technologies-ltd

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd is an outdoor equipment manufacturer based in Alfreton, England, specializing in high-performance apparel and gear for outdoor activities. Founded in 1993, the company serves outdoor enthusiasts and athletes by providing durable products designed to inspire adventure. Equip Outdoor Technologies operates globally, with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Notably, they have made significant acquisitions in the outdoor sector, including the purchase of the Lowe Alpine clothing and rucksack brand in 2011 for £20 million, and the acquisition of Rab Carrington in 2003. These brands are known for their quality outdoor gear, which may include products suitable for hunting, thereby expanding Equip's relevance in the hunting gear retail market.

14. Enterprise Investors

• Website: ei.com.pl
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland
• Founded year: 1990
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: enterprise-investors

Enterprise Investors is a private equity firm based in Warsaw, Poland, specializing in investment management and financing for mid-market companies. Founded in 1990, the firm focuses on providing capital for buyouts and expansion across various sectors, including consumer products, healthcare, and IT. Notably, Enterprise Investors has made significant investments in the sporting goods sector, including the acquisition of Intersport, a sporting goods retailer in the Balkans, for up to EUR 34.5 million in 2016. They also acquired Snap Outdoor in 2021, which may involve outdoor products relevant to hunting. Additionally, they have invested in Tahe Outdoors, an Estonian producer of watersports equipment, indicating a broader interest in outdoor activities. These transactions highlight their capability and interest in sectors that could intersect with hunting gear retail.

15. Omnes

• Website: omnescapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: omnes-capital

Omnes Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investment management with a focus on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable cities. Omnes emphasizes long-term partnerships to foster growth and sustainability in critical infrastructure projects. Notably, Omnes Capital acquired Ducatillon, a company involved in the hunting gear retail sector, for $8,070,082 on November 28, 2016. This acquisition highlights their engagement in the hunting gear market. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds for other companies, although these do not directly relate to hunting gear. Their investment strategy indicates a diverse portfolio, but the Ducatillon acquisition is particularly relevant to the hunting gear retail context.

16. Nalka

• Website: nalka.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: nalka

Nalka is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on developing independent companies in the Nordic and DACH regions, providing investment management and strategic support to small- and medium-sized businesses. Nalka emphasizes sustainable growth and responsible ownership. Among its notable transactions, Nalka acquired HOOKS HASTSPORT on March 20, 2014, which is involved in the hunting and outdoor sports market, showcasing their engagement in the hunting gear retail sector. Additionally, Nalka has made other acquisitions such as Open Air Group and Lekolar, indicating a diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a focus on companies that can achieve sustainable profitability.

Hunting Gear Retail Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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