164-Year-Old Swiss Outdoor Icon Mammut Sold to Chinese Investment Firm

One of the world’s oldest and most recognizable mountain sports brands is changing hands. Swiss outdoor equipment manufacturer Mammut has announced that it will be acquired by Chinese investment firm CPE, ending five years of ownership by European private equity firm Jacobs Capital.

Founded in 1862 in Switzerland, Mammut is one of the most iconic names in mountaineering, known for its climbing ropes, avalanche safety equipment, technical apparel, footwear, and alpine hardware. The company said its headquarters, product development, design, and innovation teams will remain in Seon in the German-speaking canton of Argau, while current CEO Heiko Schäfer and the existing management team will continue to lead the business. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the coming months, marking another major ownership change for a historic outdoor brand as the industry continues to evolve.

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Jacobs Capital acquired Mammut in 2021 with the goal of modernizing and expanding the Swiss brand internationally. According to the company, Mammut has since experienced double-digit annual revenue growth, more than doubled its operating profit margin, and now generates over half of its sales outside Europe. The company also significantly expanded its presence in Asia, particularly in China and Japan, while continuing to develop its range of technical apparel, footwear, climbing equipment, and avalanche safety products.

The new owner, CPE, is one of China’s largest alternative investment firms with offices across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The company says it plans to accelerate Mammut’s global expansion, with particular emphasis on Asia and North America.

“We are incredibly proud of what Mammut and the people behind the brand have achieved,” said Philippe Jacobs, founder and co-chairman of Jacobs Capital. “Together with an outstanding management team, we have modernized the company from the inside out. We have invested in employees, technology and systems, further sharpened products and brands, driven international expansion and noticeably improved the operational model. We are particularly proud that we have succeeded in this transformation without affecting the authenticity, technical excellence and Swiss heritage that make Mammut so unique.”

Mammut CEO Heiko Schäfer said the company sees the sale as the next stage of its international growth strategy rather than a change in direction. “Today, Mammut is financially and operationally stronger and internationally more relevant than ever,” Schäfer said. “We believe that CPE is the right partner for this next phase of growth — preserving the values, heritage and identity that make Mammut unique. For our employees, customers and partners, the message is clear: Mammut’s identity and uncompromising passion for quality and performance remain unchanged.”

CPE also emphasized that it intends to protect the Swiss company’s heritage while investing in future growth. “It is both a privilege and responsibility for us to take on the role of the guardian of Mammut,” said Mark Mao, Managing Director of CPE. “We will do everything we can to preserve and expand the brand’s strength, technical excellence and authentic heritage that have made Mammut one of the most respected outdoor brands in the world.”

Despite the ownership change, Mammut says little will change operationally. Its Swiss headquarters will remain the center for research, design, innovation, and product development, while the existing leadership team will stay in place. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to technical performance, sustainability, product quality, and its connection to the global mountain sports community.

Founded more than 160 years ago as a rope manufacturer, Mammut has grown into one of the outdoor industry’s premier technical brands, selling products in approximately 50 countries and employing around 900 people worldwide. Today its product range spans climbing gear, avalanche safety equipment, alpine apparel, hiking footwear, backpacks, and mountaineering hardware.