It was recently announced that Evolv has been acquired by the Oberalp Group, an Italian company that also owns Salewa, Wild Country, and other brands focused on “mountain sports.” The acquisition marks a broadening of the Oberalp Group within the outdoors consumer market.
Evolv will remain based in Los Angeles, California, and founder Brian Chung will remain with the company. In a statement, Chung said, “I am extremely honored and excited for Evolv to become part of the Oberalp Group and look forward to strong global growth in the future. I have always had the highest respect for the Oberalp Group of brands for making industry-leading product and for the company’s commitment to sustainability which are values that Evolv shares.”
As Chung referenced with global growth, the Oberalp Group will work to expand into new markets in Europe and Asia with Evolv—particularly as climbing gains exposure around the world with the upcoming 2020 Olympics, according to a press release.
“We only do what we understand and are enthusiastic about. And that is the mountain, even in the form of a climbing hall,” said Christoph Engl, CEO of the Oberalp Group. “Our approach is focused on one theme—mountain sports. This is why the Evolv brand fits so well into Oberalp’s brand strategy. The acquisition of Evolv—with a clear focus on climbing shoes and a leadership position in its segment—was a logical step.”
American professional climbers who currently work with Evolv in some capacity include Daniel Woods, Kai Lightner, Ashima Shiraishi, Paul Robinson, Steph Davis, and Alex Johnson.
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