New owner for outdoor company Klättermusen
Private equity company Scope is investing in the Åre-based outdoor company Klättermusen, one of the world’s most highly respected niche brands on the outdoor market. The investment will provide resources for continued international expansion.
Klättermusen, founded in 1984 by Peter Askulv, has grown despite the lack of significant marketing resources and has succeeded in creating a loyal clientele of demanding outdoor enthusiasts in several European and Asian markets. Klättermusen has sales of over SEK 50m, with the majority of sales being made outside of Sweden.
The investments provides Klättermusen with capital and expertise to, among other things, increase sales and marketing efforts and strengthen the organisation for continued expansion while retaining and refining product quality, both technically and from a sustainability perspective.
Peter and Eva Askulv remain as part owners, with Peter serving as acting Managing Director. Recruitment of a new MD is underway and, once the right person is in place, Peter’s chief focus will be on design and product development, with Eva focusing on marketing.
”After nearly 30 years of hard work with few resources, it’s really wonderful to open the door to a partner that understands Klättermusen’s potential and that can provide experience and resources. In due course, I’m looking forward to devoting even more time to what I’m most passionate about – developing fantastic products and pursuing sustainability initiatives,” said Peter Askulv.
Jonas Meerits, previous MD of J.Lindeberg and Scope co-investor, will be the new chairman of the board. Jonas’ background, particularly his experience in developing the fashion- and sport-based J.Lindeberg, will provide strong support for Klättermusen’s development. As the company expands, his fashion and sport know-how will be a valuable addition to Peter’s expertise in functional clothing.
”Peter has built a strong brand with a high degree of innovation and a consistent, extremely advanced environmental focus, something that’s reflected in all the awards Klättermusen has received over the years. The company has gained a strong foothold in several markets – particularly in Asia – despite its small size. I see great opportunities to continue developing Klättermusen, and look forward to the challenge,” said Jonas Meerits, incoming chairman.
"We have been deeply impressed for some time with the uncompromising work that forms the basis of Klättermusen’s success – in particular its leadership in the areas of function and sustainability – and we are very pleased to be able to provide the company with the resources it needs to take the next step. We see great opportunities to develop its position as a leading global premium outdoor brand, using the same uncompromising approach in developing the company as has been reflected thus far in the company’s high-quality products. The team also has previous sport and fashion experience, and will be able to draw on this in conjunction with Klättermusen’s future development,” said Fredrik Oweson, partner at Scope and incoming board member.
Staffan Rönn from the Swiss outdoor group Katadyn will also serve on the board of directors. Staffan previously served as chairman of Scandinavian Outdoor Group and part owner of the Optimus brand.
For additional information, please contact
Jonas Meerits
Incoming Chairman of the Board, Klättermusen
jonas@klattermusen.se
+46 (0) 702 22 63 50
Peter Askulv
Founder and acting Managing Director, Klättermusen
peter@klattermusen.se
+46 (0) 703 43 13 13
Fredrik Oweson
Partner, Scope
fredrik.oweson@scope.se
+41 79 628 32 71
About Klättermusen
Klättermusen is an entrepreneur-driven outdoor company that manufactures clothing and equipment for customers with high demands for sustainability and safety. The company was founded in 1984 by Peter Askulv, and currently has sales of 50 million SEK and retailers in 20 countries. Its head office is located in Åre, Sweden and its largest markets are Sweden, Norway, China, Japan and Korea. Klättermusen has been awarded international design prizes no less than 22 times during the past few years. For further information, please visit www.klattermusen.se.
About Scope
Scope is a private equity company that partners with entrepreneurs to invest in Nordic companies with unique and commercially validated business models. As an active owner, Scope co-operates with corporate management to build companies with international scalability and sustainable growth. Scope currently manages three funds with an aggregate capital commitment in excess of 200 million Euro. For additional information, please visit www.scope.se.
