Kuiu sold?

[Speaks]

I’ve seen two different PE firms destroy the same company twice…neither of them, in 10 years, could return revenues to the 100mil the apparent redneck, non-business-types generated when they ran the company because they believed in the product and its customers.

But I digress…

Dont know that we disagree on anything, as I said it can go either way with PEs either assisting on accelerating growth, or diluting value chasing margin. I cant envision how it long term goes the good way with this type of company even if it starts out that way.

I am sure you have seen what you saw, I have too, I have also seen the opposite. Totally depends on the PE and the company and the deal they make. In this case I would not be optimistic.

 

[Dirtbag]

Bummer, as stated these acquisitions never end well for the consumer or the brand.

But with one downfall it typically opens the door for the next guy…

 

[NMNomad]

I saw that. I've been happy with the Kuiu gear I have purchased so far. I suppose now is the time to get the gear you know you like, in case the quality goes downhill.

 

[TheTone]

As long as prices and quality stay the same I’ll still be a customer

 

[Poser]

I agree with the sentiment that in terms of a PE acquisition, this *appears* to be best case scenario. That being said, I don’t foresee the ROI coming from more aggressive marketing as KUIU is already a marketing machine, probably with the single highest marketing budget in the entire hunting industry. Presumably with the long term value to customer acquisition cost ratio to back that up. So, if the goal in fact into increase revenue, KUIU will either have to continue to aggressively grow and I am unsure that will happen selling technical hunting apparel without raising prices, cutting costs or a bit of both. I would expect more lifestyle branded apparel and maybe an expansion into generalist outdoor wear. Scaled growth will have to happen in some area. It is interesting to think of a hunting brand as essentially following The North Face model of going mainstream.

 

[ODB]

I agree with the sentiment that in terms of a PE acquisition, this *appears* to be best case scenario. That being said, I don’t foresee the ROI coming from more aggressive marketing as KUIU is already a marketing machine, probably with the single highest marketing budget in the entire hunting industry. Presumably with the long term value to customer acquisition cost ratio to back that up. So, if the goal in fact into increase revenue, KUIU will either have to continue to aggressively grow and I am unsure that will happen selling technical hunting apparel without raising prices, cutting costs or a bit of both. I would expect more lifestyle branded apparel and maybe an expansion into generalist outdoor wear. Scaled growth will have to happen in some area. It is interesting to think of a hunting brand as essentially following The North Face model of going mainstream.

I am positive the lifestyle gig will be a major part of these types of companies. I have seen middle-aged moms in Ketchum walking around in Kuiu shirts and black First Lite jackets adorn countless folks walking around town.

 

[wind gypsy]

Hoping things go well and the products stay solid. I'm a bit bitter about PE and Corps gobbling up companies from my own experiences but it doesn't mean the products wont be worth having in the future.

Guilty of having sitka/kuiu casual and work clothes. Helps to know they'll likely fit well and be comfortable.

 

[Sinistram]

It is interesting to think of a hunting brand as essentially following The North Face model of going mainstream.

Jeez I hope that's not what happens. TNF is a cautionary example of what happens to a solid company that goes mainstream.

Hoping things go well and the products stay solid. I'm a bit bitter about PE and Corps gobbling up companies from my own experiences but it doesn't mean the products wont be worth having in the future.

Guilty of having sitka/kuiu casual and work clothes. Helps to know they'll likely fit well and be comfortable.

I agree with you on all points. My lone personal experience with a PE company was pretty much exactly what people fear.

As for the casual clothes, I started to get suspicious when most of their new product intros were flannel shirts and pants you can wear to the office.

 

[Kurts86]

So James Cox Kennedy, who sued to stop Ruby River Access across his property in Montana, just bought KUIU. Good stuff.

 

[Pacific_Fork]

So James Cox Kennedy, who sued to stop Ruby River Access across his property in Montana, just bought KUIU. Good stuff.

No shit? Not surprising. Too many hunting companies owned by selfish anti public access tards to count…

 

[BuckSmasher]

I’ve seen two different PE firms destroy the same company twice…neither of them, in 10 years, could return revenues to the 100mil the apparent redneck, non-business-types generated when they ran the company because they believed in the product and its customers.

But I digress…

Remington or Marlin?

 

[deltadukman]

Rumor has it they will be expanding the brand to include dog bowls, chairs, cast iron skillets and a nifty 5 gallon bucket.

 

[omicron1792]

As much as I’m sure the owners started the company to supply us with awesome gear, their main motive was probably to make money. Good for them.

 

[grfox92]

Rumor has it they will be expanding the brand to include dog bowls, chairs, cast iron skillets and a nifty 5 gallon bucket.

Kiuyeti?

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

 

[el_jefe_pescado]

It's been really hard to watch Simms and Stone Glacier get gobbled up and slapped around. Can't help but feel leery that a similar fate is coming for Kuiu. I hope I am wrong.

 

[wapitibob]

Congrats to the Hairston family, move on and enjoy the rest of your life.

 

[Pacific_Fork]

I really hope we get a cook book. There isn’t enough cook books, I mean table decorations.

 

[jrock_jeep]

is there an existing thread on small business gear suppliers? Bonus points for U.S. made , non VC backed, no Influencers..

I’m not trying to run around in only Asbell wool , Lately some of the bigger companies MSRPs are comical for made in a low quality of life country .

The reality is to make a small run of factory produced clothing / gear , likely requires sizable financial backing and that isn’t cheap last time i signed a mortgage

FORLOH?

 

[Sierra Hunter]

Yeah, just announced yesterday Main Post sold KUIU to a group of conservation-obsessed families and businesses Cox Enterprises leading the pack. CEO Melissa Woolf's staying on, ops unchanged, privately held.

Good Long term focus means no slash and burn PE BS aligns perfect with KUIU's backcountry conservation vibe. More cash for innovation and wild places without selling out.

Bad Could get stuffy if the investors meddle on ethical designs or pricing, but early signs say nah.

Big box Nah, they're expanding their own stores already 5, more coming and ecomm partnerships not REI or Cabela's shelves. Keeps that direct to hunter edge you love. Overall, thumbs up for the brand.

He sounds like an insider but he’s right, likely the best outcome by miles. Kuiu was already owned by PE (Main Post) and they grew the Co. by making it more accessible, against Jason’s original wishes by making it for the average American, whitetail, waterfowl, etc. as long as they still make a core product for the western hunter and push innovation in materials I’ll be a buyer. Great transaction for all involved.

 

[pacoalcracker]

Well, while not ideal...it's better than being bought out by DICK'S Sporting Goods which is buying up many outdoors companies and running them into the ground. PE is NEVER good for the consumer and often times equally bad for the company being acquired. I figure they will expand the brand and spin it off in a few years to make major money or take the company public in an IPO and make major money. Thats what PE in most cases does. They eventually at some point have to get their money x 5 out of the acquisition somehow.