Aclima joins Open Air Group

Open Air Group (OAG) acquires Norwegian company Aclima, one of the leading manufacturers of professional and outdoor merino wool clothing in the Nordics. The acquisition of Aclima broadens OAG’s operations and strengthens the offering within the outdoor segment.

Norwegian company Aclima joins Open Air Group, the Swedish company group focusing on products for hunting, dogs and outdoor life. Aclima is a third-generation family business focusing on professional and outdoor clothing made from merino wool. The acquisition of Aclima is the first within the outdoor segment for OAG and also the first acquisition made in Norway.

Aclima was founded in 1939 and is today the Nordic market leader within professional and outdoor merino wool clothing, with a turnover of around 200m NOK. In addition to being a favorite brand of outdoor enthusiasts, Aclima also supply wool underwear to police, rescue and military services across the world. The company owns and operates its own manufacturing site in Estonia, providing full insight and control over the supply chain, ensuring the high product quality. Aclima will continue to be managed by the founding family, today represented by second and third generation Johansen – Jan and Lars, along with CEO, Hans Petter Jacobsen.

– The textile industry has changed fundamentally since I ran a small knitting shop in the 70’s and by never compromising on quality, we have been able to grow from a small local player to the business we have today. Now the journey continues into the next phase and the future will require a new type of expertise to stay at the forefront of satisfying customers’ needs. As we now become an important part of OAG, this strengthens our future competitiveness in developing our offering, good support functions and financial stability. Aclima will be able to focus even more on functional products produced in a as environmentally friendly way as possible and reach even more customers, says Jan Johansen, Chairman, Aclima.

OAG has grown significantly since the start in 2016 with a turnover of around 700m SEK, and today consists of three divisions; Retail, with e-commerce in Sweden, Norway, and Finland; Tech, with electronics and apps for hunting, and Brands, with a focus on clothing and equipment for hunting and outdoor life. Aclima will continue to operate as an independent brand and organization but will be a part of OAG’s Brands division.

– Aclima is a very well-run company and has a very good team. We see great value in the fact that the founding family Johansen and CEO Hans Petter will continue to be active and central in the development of the company. For generations, the company has built up extensive knowledge in everything from design to sustainable production and sourcing and this competence will be very valuable to us. Aclima will be an important part of our focus on, and the development of, the offering within the outdoor segment, says Camilo Sjödin.

With the acquisition, OAG becomes the main owner of Aclima. Jan and Lars Johansen will continue in their operational roles in the business and also remain on the company’s board. Jan and Lars will also become minority shareholders in OAG. The transaction is expected to be completed in January after review by competition authorities.