Is Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) Canadian?
No, Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is no longer Canadian-owned or a member co-op. In 2020, the iconic Canadian co-op filed for creditor protection and was sold to Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, California.
Who Really Owns Mountain Equipment Company (MEC)?
For nearly 50 years, MEC was Canada’s largest consumer co-operative with over 5 million members. In September 2020, during the COVID pandemic, MEC’s board sold its assets out of CCAA proceedings to Kingswood Capital Management, terminating its co-op status and transferring ownership to a US private equity fund.
Where Are Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) Products Manufactured?
Most MEC brand tents, packs, and technical clothing are manufactured overseas in Asia, with product design centered in Vancouver.
- No longer a co-op; member shares were dissolved in 2020.
- Owned by Kingswood Capital Management (Los Angeles private equity).
- Design team based in Vancouver, BC; gear manufactured overseas.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Is Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) Canadian?
Is Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) 100% Canadian-owned?
No, Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is no longer Canadian-owned or a member co-op. In 2020, the iconic Canadian co-op filed for creditor protection and was sold to Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, California.
Is MEC still a Canadian co-op?
No. In 2020, Mountain Equipment Co-op entered creditor protection and was sold to American private investment firm Kingswood Capital Management, ending its co-operative structure.
Who owns MEC today?
MEC is owned by Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, California.
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