Lib Tech is one of the most popular snowboard brands on the market today, renowned for its innovative designs and high-quality products. But have you ever stopped to wonder who owns this iconic brand?
“We run a tight ship but nobody’s at the helm. “
– Pete Saari, co-founder of Mervin Manufacturing
If you’re expecting a big corporation or a celebrity name behind Lib Tech, you might be surprised to learn that it is operated by Mervin Manufacturing – an independent manufacturer owned by two passionate snowboarding enthusiasts from Washington State.
In 1982, Mike Olson and Pete Saari launched their company with a mission to create handmade snowboards using eco-friendly materials. Today, Mervin Manufacturing produces not only Lib Tech boards but also skateboards and surfboards under various brand names. The company has remained fiercely independent over the years despite buyout offers from bigger players in the industry.
So there you have it – Lib Tech Snowboards are ultimately owned by two local guys whose love for carving down mountains led them to create their own line of boards. It just goes to show that sometimes, genuine passion and dedication can triumph over corporate influence in even the biggest consumer markets!
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The Start of Lib Tech Snowboards
Lib Tech Snowboards was founded in 1977 by Mike Olson and Pete Saari. The company originated in a garage workshop behind their house. They crafted their first snowboard from high-quality, durable materials that were sourced locally.
The founders wanted to create snowboards with a focus on quality rather than quantity. This means they produced each board individually to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Since then, the brand has grown into one of the biggest names in winter sports.
Today, Lib Tech Snowboards still operates under its original values – innovative designs and practical construction methods that are environmentally conscious. As such, its products remain highly sought after among professional athletes around the world.
“We don’t make product we wouldn’t want to ride or own ourselves. “
Currently, Jamie Lynn is considered as a co-owner of Lib Tech Snowboards since he receives royalties for any products sold bearing his name. But technically speaking Mervin Manufacturing owns Lib tech now which also owns Gnu Snowboards and Bent Metal Bindings,
Mervin Manufacturing purchased Lib Tech snowboards in 1991 when it began expanding its product line beyond just boards. Now, all three brands reside under parent company Wintersports Holdings LLC based out of Seattle Washington.
The Founders of Lib Tech Snowboards
Lib Tech Snowboards was founded in 1977 by two friends, Mike Olson and Pete Saari. The company has its roots in the Pacific Northwest snowboarding scene and quickly gained a reputation for being innovative and forward-thinking.
Olson and Saari started building their own boards when they were dissatisfied with what was available on the market at the time. They wanted to create a product that was more durable, flexible, and responsive than anything else out there. Their first prototype board was made with a foam core and fiberglass shell, which turned out to be highly successful.
In 1984, Lib Tech introduced the world’s first ever “Banana” rocker profile on their snowboard, which became an instant game-changer in how people ride snowboards today.
” Our vision is simple: To build better boards… Board Builders. “
For over forty years, Lib Tech Snowboards has been committed to developing new technologies that improve riding performance while also being environmentally responsible. Today the brand is owned by Quiksilver Inc. , but it continues to be run by the same group of passionate snowboard enthusiasts who started it all those years ago.
After several ownership changes since inception, Quiksilver maintained control until filing for bankruptcy in September 2015. Since then Mervin Manufacturing purchased it from private equity firm Oaktree Capital Management LP along with Gnu Snowboards.
Overall, while various companies have taken turns owning Lib Technological innovation endures as major players on slopes across America businesses aim to climb higher than provided within these mountainous regions will soon appreciate this technological convergence as well!Their Vision for Snowboarding
Lib Tech was founded in 1989 by Mike Olson and Pete Saari. They envisioned a company that would cater to the needs of snowboarders worldwide by providing them with high-quality, durable and innovative snowboards that were unlike anything else available on the market.
Their vision was simple; they wanted to create boards that could withstand extreme conditions and allow riders to push their limits without worrying about damaged equipment. These boards had to be versatile enough to excel in all types of terrain, from powder-filled backcountry runs to groomed slopes.
To make this happen, Lib Tech invested heavily in research and development. They collaborated with top athletes and engineers to develop unique technologies such as Magne-Traction® edges, which provided unmatched edge hold on icy surfaces.
“We’re not trying to revolutionize snowboarding; we’re just doing what we love. ” -Mike Olson (Co-founder)
This commitment to innovation has made Lib Tech one of the most respected names in the industry today. Their dedication to sustainability has also set them apart; they are committed to using environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes whenever possible.
In conclusion, Lib Tech is owned by Altamont Capital Partners but it’s founders’ passion for creating high-performance snowboards remains at the core of everything they do. From their earliest days, they have been driven by a desire to produce gear that helps riders express their creativity and feel connected to nature while shredding through fresh pow or carving down steep mountain faces.
The Acquisition of Lib Tech Snowboards
Lib Tech is a well-known brand in the snowboarding industry. The company was founded by Mike Olson and Pete Saari in 1977, producing snowboards that were made with recycled materials and using eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
In 1994, Mervin Manufacturing acquired Lib Tech. Mervin Manufacturing is a subsidiary company of Quiksilver Inc. , which is headquartered in Huntington Beach California.
Quiksilver’s acquisition of Mervin Manufacturing allowed it to expand its reach within the snowboarding market. With Lib Tech under its umbrella, both companies have been able to continue their tradition of producing quality boards while working towards reducing their environmental footprint during production.
“We’re not just making snowboards; we’re creating a legacy through our environmentally friendly practices, ” says Mike Olsen. “
Today, Lib Tech continues to produce some of the most innovative and high-quality snowboards on the market. With over four decades of experience and being backed by one of the biggest names in the business, there’s no doubt that they will continue to be a go-to option for snowboard enthusiasts around the world.
The Company That Acquired Lib Tech Snowboards
Lib Tech is a highly regarded snowboard brand known for its high-quality boards and innovative technology. However, the company was acquired by Altamont Capital Partners in 2014.
Altamont Capital Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in middle-market companies across multiple industries, including consumer products, business services, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The acquisition of Lib Tech fits within their investment strategy to acquire niche brands with strong market positions.
“We are excited to partner with Mike Olson and the other co-founders of Mervin Manufacturing as they continue to build on the excellence of their current portfolio of snowboarding equipment, ” said Randall Eason, Managing Director at Altamont Capital Partners.
The new ownership structure has not changed much for Lib Tech’s day-to-day operations. The brand still focuses on quality craftsmanship and sustainability while pushing innovation in design technology. In fact, since being acquired by Altamont Capital Partners, Lib Tech has continued to expand globally and develop new product lines such as surfboards and skateboards.
In conclusion, it is clear that Altamont Capital Partners owns Lib Tech Snowboards. Their ownership style has allowed the brand to grow rapidly without sacrificing its core values or high standards for quality control. As a result, consumers can expect exceptional performance from any board bearing the iconic “L” logo.
The Impact of the Acquisition on Lib Tech Snowboards
Lib Tech is a renowned snowboard manufacturer that has been in business for over 30 years. Recently, there have been several rumors about who owns Lib Tech Snowboards and what kind of impact their acquisition would have on the company.
Well, it has now been confirmed that Altamont Capital Partners acquired Mervin Manufacturing, which includes the well-known brands like GNU and Lib Tech. This move will certainly have an impact not only on the manufacturing process but also on marketing strategies, management decisions, and product development plans.
“This acquisition broadens our platform into growth categories where we see continued opportunity, ” said Keoni Schwartz, Managing Director at Altamont Capital Partners.
This new ownership will provide more financial resources to invest in research and development for cutting-edge technology and design ideas. It will also allow for greater distribution capabilities that could lead to increased accessibility and visibility of these quality products throughout various retail locations globally.
However, this acquisition might bring some challenges as well. The change in management may result in different operational methods or product line adjustments from previous leadership philosophies. There may be a need to improve upon existing production systems to streamline operations since speed-to-market continues to be critical in satisfying customer demand within such a competitive industry.
In conclusion, with its new ownership structure under Altamont Capital Partners’ guidance along with higher investments towards R&D endeavors and expanding market reach capability – we can expect good things coming forth through strategic planning ahead by both parties involved; ultimately providing best-in-class products created through innovative technologies mixed with enthusiastic hands-on attention to detail Liberty’s loyal fan base always expects!
The Current Owners of Lib Tech Snowboards
Lib Tech is a renowned manufacturer of snowboards, and it has been serving the market for several decades now. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, this company has established its brand as one of the best in the industry.
The founders of Lib Tech are Mike Olson and Pete Saari. However, they sold the company to Quiksilver Inc. , which is a global sports clothing giant that also owns other reputed brands like Roxy, DC Shoes, etc.
Later on, Quiksilver filed for bankruptcy and changed its name to Boardriders Inc. Presently, Boardriders own Lib Tech along with many other iconic brands from different sports segments such as skateboarding, surfing and so on.
“It’s important to note that despite ownership changes over time, Lib Tech still holds onto its original motto: ‘weird ideas made here. ‘”
In conclusion, Who Owns Lib Tecg Snowboards? It is currently owned by Boardriders Inc. , which acquired it after the financial instability faced by its previous owner Quicksilver. Despite these changes, they have managed to uphold their reputation intact among loyal customers due to their unique approach towards creating innovative products while promoting sustainability simultaneously.
Who Owns Lib Tech Snowboards Now?
Lib Tech is a snowboard company that has been around since the late 80s and is known for their innovative designs. The brand was started by Mike Olson in Seattle, Washington as an extension of his surfboard shaping business.
In 1994, Mervin Manufacturing took over production of Lib Tech Snowboards. However, Mervin Manufacturing itself changed ownership several times throughout the years.
The most recent change occurred in October 2019 when Altamont Capital Partners acquired Mervin Manufacturing, which includes Lib Tech Snowboards along with Gnu and Roxy brands.
“We are excited to partner with experienced management teams at Mervin who have fostered iconic brands like GNU, LIB TECH and ROXY, ” said Randall Eason, Managing Director at Altamont. “Mervin’s innovation-driven approach fits incredibly well within our strategy of investing in category leading businesses. ”
This acquisition brings optimism for the future growth of Lib Tech under this new partnership. Fans can expect continued innovative designs from the brand while being backed up by an investor that believes in its potential.
Their Involvement in the Snowboarding Industry
Lib Tech Snowboards is a company that was started by two snowboarders, Mike Olson and Pete Saari. The company is known for its innovative approach to building snowboards using eco-friendly materials and advanced technologies.
The founders of Lib Tech have been involved in the snowboarding industry since the early days, with Mike Olson even being credited with inventing the twin-tip snowboard design. They both worked at Mervin Manufacturing before starting their own brand, which allowed them to create boards that were tailored to their unique vision.
Today, Lib Tech Snowboards is owned by parent company Mervin Manufacturing, which also owns other well-known brands such as GNU and Roxy. However, despite this corporate structure, Lib Tech has maintained its independent spirit and continues to push boundaries when it comes to board technology.
“We don’t make any compromises when it comes to our boards, ” says founder Mike Olson. “Our goal is always to create something that performs better than anything else on the market. “
This commitment to quality has made Lib Tech a popular choice among both professional riders and recreational snowboarders alike. With each passing year, they continue to innovate and find new ways to enhance the riding experience for everyone who hits the slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently owns Lib Tech Snowboards?
Lib Tech Snowboards is currently owned by Mervin Manufacturing, a company based in Washington state that also owns other popular snowboarding brands such as GNU and Roxy. Mervin Manufacturing was acquired by Quiksilver in 1997, but was later sold to Altamont Capital Partners in 2013. Today, Mervin is an independent company that is still committed to producing high-quality, innovative snowboards.
What is the history of ownership for Lib Tech Snowboards?
Lib Tech Snowboards has changed ownership several times since its founding in 1989. In 1997, the company was acquired by Quiksilver, a larger corporation that also owned other popular snowboarding brands. However, in 2013, Quiksilver sold Mervin Manufacturing, which included Lib Tech, to Altamont Capital Partners. Today, Mervin is an independent company that is still committed to producing high-quality, innovative snowboards.
Has Lib Tech Snowboards ever been owned by a larger corporation?
Yes, Lib Tech Snowboards has been owned by a larger corporation in the past. In 1997, the company was acquired by Quiksilver, a larger corporation that also owned other popular snowboarding brands. However, in 2013, Quiksilver sold Mervin Manufacturing, which included Lib Tech, to Altamont Capital Partners. Today, Mervin is an independent company that is still committed to producing high-quality, innovative snowboards.
What impact has ownership had on the development of Lib Tech Snowboards?
Ownership has had both positive and negative impacts on the development of Lib Tech Snowboards. When the company was owned by Quiksilver, it had access to more resources and a larger distribution network, which helped to increase its visibility and reach. However, some snowboarders felt that the company lost some of its authenticity and innovation under the umbrella of a larger corporation. Today, as an independent company owned by Mervin Manufacturing, Lib Tech is still committed to producing high-quality, innovative snowboards while also maintaining its unique brand identity.