MacNeill Pride Group Continues Transformation; Rebrands as Gathr Outdoors
Gathr Outdoors’ Growing Portfolio of Outdoor Recreation Products Poised to Gain Market Share
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. [Jan. 11, 2022] – MacNeill Pride Group® (MPG), a diversified global designer and manufacturer of outdoor products and sporting goods, is rebranding to Gathr Outdoors to better reflect its mission and the industries within which it operates. Gathr Outdoors is a portfolio company of Centre Partners.
Gathr Outdoors has acquired numerous outdoor brands over the past two years under the MPG name, building a strong portfolio of products that resonate with consumers. With the appointment of CEO, Keith Bornholtz, and new additions to its Board of Directors in June, coupled with recent acquisitions of ORCA, GCI Outdoor, Klymit and Rightline Gear, the brand’s trajectory is one of steadfast commitment to outdoor sports and activities. While Gathr Outdoors is a new name, the entrepreneurial spirit of the organization and its products remains the same. As a family unit, Gathr’s brands complement countless outdoor situations.
“Gathr Outdoors’ north star is 'Together Outside'. Whether you’re camping, fishing or just at your kid’s weekend sports tournament, we want you to share these moments comfortably with the friends and family we love. Our purpose is to inspire time spent together outdoors by promoting a passion for adventures big and small,” said CEO Keith Bornholtz. “While often times in the industry, you’ll see aspirational images of an elite athlete setting out to tackle a solo feat unattainable to the masses, we at Gathr believe that outdoor experiences are the most powerful when they are shared. Those are the moments, the memories that bring us back for more. At Gathr Outdoors, our team and our brands enrich those experiences with products that ensure comfort, convenience and connection.”
The start of Gathr’s journey into outdoor began in January 2020 with the acquisition of Outdoor Recreation Company of America (ORCA). ORCA is a leading supplier of premium coolers, drinkware and other outdoor accessories. With the onset of the global pandemic within a matter of weeks following this acquisition, MPG quickly saw the uptick in sales of outdoor products and an opportunity to meet the needs of its consumers to support their outdoor pursuits big and small, beyond just coolers.
On a mission to offer its customers a comfortable outdoor experience from the ground up, the platform next acquired GCI Outdoor— the leading designer of portable, built-to-last outdoor camp chairs. This acquisition was quickly followed by that of Klymit — maker of lightweight outdoor sleeping pads, pillows, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, and other camping accessories that are comfortable, easy-to-use, and engineered for every adventure. Furthering the adventure from the ground to the truck bed, MPG most recently acquired Rightline Gear— maker of automotive and outdoor gear, including car top carriers, truck and SUV tents, air mattresses, tailgating canopies, cargo products, foam block paddle sport carriers, jeep storage bags and interior accessories.
“We honor the past and are honest about the present,” said Bornholtz. “With the introduction of Gathr, It’s not just rebranding the company, it’s establishing and confirming our identity as a collection of brands and building a new culture across the company with confidence for the future of outdoor.”
Along with the evolution, Gathr has brought on several new C-suite executives, including COO Noel Allen, CFO Paul Collins and VP of People and Culture, Julie Parker. The team is equipped with the experience, vision and leadership to carry out the new mission, vision and values of Gathr Outdoors.
Learn more at gathroutdoors.com.
About Gathr Outdoors
Headquartered in Nashville, TN with offices across America, Europe and Asia. Gathr Outdoors, a portfolio company of middle-market private equity firm Centre Partners, is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of products that help people enjoy the outdoors. Gathr’s well-recognized brands include ORCA , GCI Outdoor, Klymit, Rightline Gear, Freestyle Rocker, RoadTrip Rocker, Moki Doorstep, PrideSports, SoftSpike, CHAMP, Pride Golf Tee and Professional Tee System, amongst others. More information can be found at www.gathroutdoors.
Media Contact: Lauren Haber, Verde Brand Communications, lauren@verdepr.com, (412) 780-5000