National Geographic licensee buys Barrel
South Korean swimwear and athletic leisurewear brand Barrel, which last year became an official sponsor of the Korea Swimming Federation, is to be acquired by The Nature Holdings, a local group specialising in branded sportswear and travel gear.
The deal, which is expected to complete by July 15, will involve the buyer taking ownership of just under 48% of Barrel stock for around $60 million (76 billion South Korean won) in total. A spokesperson for the company described the transaction as representative of its “leap forward as a global fashion group”.
Other apparel brands under The Nature Holdings’ umbrella include National Geographic and NFL.
Established in 2010, Barrel’s footprint extends beyond its home country to Thailand and Greater China, including retail stores in Chinese cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Image: Barrel via Instagram.
