Columbia takes full control of Chinese joint venture
04/01/2019
The joint venture was launched at the start of 2014 with its headquarters in Shanghai. Columbia took a 60% share of the company, with Swire owning the other 40%. Columbia has now taken full control of it.
Columbia has said it now plans to make investments in order to build the Columbia brand in China and to expand direct and dealer-operated retail locations in the country. It has named John Soh as general manager of its China business. He will take up this role in mid-February.
Tim Boyle, Columbia’s president and CEO, said on making the announcement: “We are very pleased with the positioning of the Columbia brand, and are committed to investing in the continued long-term success of Columbia in the crucial Chinese market. The acquisition is consistent with our strategy to accelerate investment as a brand-led, consumer-focused business in the areas of highest growth potential for our existing brands.”
Swire resources will continue to be the exclusive independent distributor for Columbia in Hong Kong and Macau.
Share this story:
