Völkl, K2, Dalbello and Marker Sold: Kohlberg & Company Take Over Winter Sports Firm

This is the fourth change of ownership for the Lower Bavarian ski manufacturer Völkl since 2004.

“No staff cutbacks planned” at Völkl

Ski Made in Germany’s concept is not however an issue, said Völkl Managing Director Christoph Bronder to the “Süddeutschen Zeitung” newspaper. “There are no planned staff cutbacks, it’s rather the opposite. We are ramping up our production and are banking on rising orders.”

Völkl Sale Announced in Autumn 

The new owner was one of eight interested parties. Kohlberg & Company is investing around 215 million euros and in return will receive the companies K2, Marker, Dalbello, Madshus, Line, Full Tilt, Atlas, Tubbs, Ride and BCA, along with Völkl.

Outdoor retailer Marmot is however staying with Newell Brands. Zoot and Squadra will also be sold in an extra deal, the US company shared.

Newell CEO Michael Polk spoke of a “quick exit” from the winter sport companies in autumn 2016. Now the planned sale is complete. Newell Brands acquired Völkl and Co. in December 2015 when they took over their previous owners, the Jarden Corporation, for 13.4 billion euros.

Völkl is Germany’s only remaining ski manufacturer and it employs around 400 workers at its site in Straubing. At the beginning of 2017, Marker, Dalbello, and Völkl had announced plans to trade as MDV Sports in the future.

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