Outdoor brand Montane bought by Edinburgh investor Inverleith LLP

Northumberland-based outdoor sports clothing and accessories brand Montane has been bought by Edinburgh specialist consumer brand investor Inverleith LLP.

Established in 1993, Montane focuses on serving dedicated hillwalkers, moutaineers, climbers and trail runners. It prides itself on the quality and innovation of its high-performance technical outdoor clothing and equipment.

Its range has steadily expanded to encompass a broad range of outerwear, mid and base layers, legwear, backpacks and accessories for both men and women. It specifically targets the high-performance segments of the outdoor markets, with a focus on consumers who connect with Montane’s "Further. Faster". mantra.

The investment from Inverleith LLP will see the company expand the distribution of its specialist fast-paced mountain sport products, both in the UK and internationally, with a sharpened focus on product development in a rapidly growing market sector.

Commenting on the Inverleith LLP investment and acquisition, Montane’s managing director, Jake Doxat, said: “I am delighted to have secured Inverleith LLP as the majority investor into Montane. After over two decades at the helm, it’s time to hand over the reins of Montane to a passionate new owner who recognises the strength of the brand’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.”

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, whilst remaining a minority shareholder and board director, focusing on a new role as a global brand ambassador for the company.

Doxat added: “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.”

Inverleith LLP managing partner, Paul Skipworth, commented: “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 recognised and admired within this environment. We look forward to enabling an even wider audience to engage with Montane in the UK and internationally.”

Based in Ashington in Northumberland, Montane has endorsements from professionals within the fast-paced mountain sport environment, as well as being the British Mountaineering Council’s recommended clothing and pack partner.

The company is also headline sponsor of a number of globally recognised events such as the Tor des Géants, The Montane Lakeland 100, The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra and The Montane Spine Race, some of the most challenging and famous “ultra events” in the world.

Inverleith LLP invests into consumer brands within the health and wellbeing, lifestyle and heritage sectors. It specialises in internationalising and commercialising brands, helping them to realise their full potential.