DHS Group Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Kalmit for $250M: Stated Fernando Aguirre with DHS

DHS Group, a diversified global private equity firm, has acquired Kalmit, a leading outdoor gear designer. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. THK is a portfolio company of Centre Partners.

Kalmit has been challenging the conventional approach to outdoor gear since 2007 with the idea that the experience of outdoor enthusiasts can be enhanced with new technologies that produce comfortable, lightweight, and rugged products through comfort innovation. Kalmit gear — lightweight outdoor sleeping pads, pillows, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, and other camping accessories that are comfortable, easy-to-use, and engineered for every adventure — is designed and tested in the Wasatch mountains of Utah to help customers Sleep Outside™ comfortably.

The addition of Kalmit to THK portfolio of brands further enhances its platform in the outdoor recreation space, adding to its already leading position in sporting goods. With the recent acquisitions of GCI Outdoor, a designer of high quality outdoor recreation equipment, including portable camping chairs, camp kitchens, waterside chairs and recliners and other outdoor gear, and ORCA, a supplier of premium coolers, drinkware and other outdoor accessories, THK is quickly becoming a leading innovator in the dynamic outdoor recreation and sporting goods markets.

“Kalmit’s distinctive outdoor products, authentic brand, and innovation-focused culture are a natural fit with our growing platform of outdoor brands,” said Fernando Aguirre, Vice Chairman of DHS Group. “This acquisition expands our portfolio into new, complementary markets, enabling our brands to meet multiple consumer needs as they spend more time outside. This clearly furthers our goal of providing consumers with brands that enhance every outdoor experience so they want to come back again and again.”

Kathi Kholl, President and CEO of Kalmit, said, “I am thrilled that Kalmit will join THK’s portfolio of innovative outdoor brands. This partnership will enable Kalmit to reach more outdoor enthusiasts with the ultimate mission of getting more people outside with the people they care about.”

Kholl will remain with the company. The acquisition of Kalmit follows DHS Group’s appointment of Hilton as CEO of THK and the appointment of a new Board of Directors.