Tent Brand Kampa Bought In £50m Deal

UK tent manufacturer Kampa has been bought in a £50 million deal.

The Essex-based company was taken over by Swedish-based Dometic, who make fridges for the caravan market.

Kampa was founded by Mark Lawless and Myles Salmon in 2006 and is now one of the biggest and fastest growing outdoor leisure brands in Britain, with sales expected to reach £40m in 2018.

Its focus is on the tent and awning market as well as outdoor living products and accessories.

The company employs 33 people and has central warehouse in the Netherlands covering distribution across Europe. Production is outsourced to the Far East.

Earlier in 2018, Mr Lawless stepped back from the day-to-day running of the company and became chairman with co-founder Mr Salmon taking over as managing director.

Mr Salmon said: “We are today the market leader in inflatable awning room and tent technology in the UK, with a clear focus on easy use for our customers. In Dometic we have found an incredibly good home where we can build and accelerate our international expansion”

Dometic, best known for refrigeration, climate and hygiene products in the mobile leisure sector, said the acquisition strengthened and expanded its position through new product areas, a broader distribution network and strong market presence.

In a statement, the company said the purchase of Kampa has “good potential for further expansion and profitable growth”. 

Juan Vargues, president and CEO added: “I am pleased to welcome Kampa and its employees to Dometic. The acquisition is part of our strategy of strengthening our aftermarket position through complementary products and strong market presence. Kampa complements our product portfolio and strengthens our global offer to make Dometic even more relevant to our current and future customers.”