Mountain Equipment Co-op

Mountain Equipment Co-op, widely known as MEC, was a Canadian consumer cooperative focused on outdoor equipment, clothing and related services. Founded in Vancouver in 1971 by members of the University of British Columbia Varsity Outdoor Club, it was created to make specialized climbing equipment available to Canadian outdoor enthusiasts who had previously travelled to the United States to shop at retailers such as REI. Customers purchased a lifetime membership, technically a share in the cooperative, and the organization originally sold its merchandise exclusively to members. MEC began with a mountaineering and climbing orientation but gradually broadened its customer base and product range. Over time it added camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, running, yoga, travel and urban-outdoor apparel. It developed a substantial private-label business while also selling established third-party brands. Its merchandise included tents, sleeping bags, packs, technical clothing, footwear, bicycles, cycling accessories, climbing equipment, water-sports products and outdoor lifestyle goods. The organization also provided services such as bicycle repair and promoted outdoor education and participation through events and festivals. The cooperative expanded from its first Vancouver store to a national network. It operated stores in major Canadian cities, with distribution facilities in British Columbia and Ontario and a corporate and group sales operation for large orders. At its height, MEC had more than five million members and was one of Canada's largest outdoor-equipment retailers. Its one-member, one-vote governance model allowed members to elect directors and vote on special resolutions. Profits could be reinvested in the cooperative or returned through patronage arrangements, although much of the organization's capital remained invested in inventory, facilities and expansion. MEC became particularly associated with environmental and social responsibility. It publicly disclosed factory information before that practice was common among Canadian retailers, pursued organic and recycled materials, joined the bluesign textile initiative, removed bisphenol A containers from its assortment, eliminated single-use shopping bags and developed environmentally oriented store and distribution facilities. It also supported outdoor participation through national programs including Paddlefest, Bikefest and Snowfest. These commitments helped distinguish MEC from conventional sporting-goods chains and strengthened its identity as a member-owned organization with an environmental mission. The cooperative nevertheless faced strategic and financial pressures. Its expansion into bicycles and broader urban-oriented categories brought it into conflict with some industry suppliers and independent retailers. Governance reforms and the increasingly professionalized retail model also generated debate among members and observers about the balance between cooperative principles and commercial growth. After losses in 2019 and further disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, the board entered into an agreement in September 2020 to sell the operating assets without a membership vote. The transaction closed in October 2020. Kingswood Capital Management's subsidiary Mountain Equipment Company acquired the MEC name, assets and store leases and continued the retail operation as a for-profit business. The former cooperative was renamed 1077 Holdings Co-operative and remained active only to address creditor claims before an eventual wind-up. MEC, short for Mountain Equipment Company, is a Canadian specialty retailer serving outdoor recreation participants. The business was created in late 2020 from the retail assets of Mountain Equipment Co-op after the former co-operative encountered financial difficulties and its assets were acquired through a court-supervised sale by Kingswood Capital Management, a U.S. private-equity firm. The successor company initially operated as MEC Canada Inc. and took over 21 stores, continuing to trade under the familiar MEC name while no longer operating as a member-owned co-operative. The retailer sells equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories for activities such as camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, paddling and other outdoor pursuits. It also sells products under the MEC private label alongside goods from third-party outdoor brands. Its business combines physical stores across Canada with e-commerce. The company has positioned itself as a specialist outdoor retailer rather than a general sporting-goods chain, serving both experienced users and people entering outdoor activities for the first time. The transition from co-operative to privately owned retailer generated significant controversy among former members. Many members objected that the assets had been sold without a member vote or consultation and expressed concern that a well-known Canadian outdoor institution had been acquired by an American investment firm. Kingswood and the new management nevertheless argued that preserving the brand and continuing retail operations offered a way to keep MEC operating after the co-operative's financial collapse. After the acquisition, management pursued a turnaround focused on cash flow, inventory discipline and supplier confidence. Changes included clearing seasonal goods through sales rather than routinely returning them to warehouses, renegotiating store leases, moving out of the former leased head office into less expensive accommodation, reducing head-office staffing and planning to outsource the Brampton, Ontario warehouse operation. Management also sought to simplify the product assortment, reduce the number of brands and merchandise varieties carried, separate parts of the e-commerce assortment from store inventory, and improve the economics of MEC-branded products. The successor company also changed several elements of the former co-operative's customer proposition. The historic Rock Solid Guarantee was planned to become more limited after management concluded that the unrestricted return policy had been abused by some customers. A replacement loyalty program was considered for the former membership model. These measures reflected the shift from a member-oriented co-operative to a conventional for-profit retailer, although the company continued to rely on the strong consumer recognition attached to the MEC name. The business operated through substantial disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Store closures and restrictions in Ontario produced further layoffs and temporary shutdowns, but management stated that the company had made money in each month following the 2020 sale, even while dealing with pandemic-related closures. By mid-2021, the corporate name had become MEC Mountain Equipment Company Ltd. In October 2021, the chain formally adopted the Mountain Equipment Company name and restored its twin-peaks mountain logo, which had largely been retired by the former co-operative in 2013. In October 2023, Peter Hlynsky became chief executive officer, replacing Eric Claus. In 2025, ownership changed again when the retailer was sold to a group of Canadian investors, while Kingswood retained a minority interest. MEC therefore remains an active Canadian outdoor retailer, but its current corporate structure differs fundamentally from the member-owned organization that originally popularized the MEC identity. MEC began with a mountaineering and climbing orientation but gradually broadened its customer base and product range, adding camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, running, yoga, travel and urban-outdoor apparel. It developed a substantial private-label business while also selling established third-party brands, offering tents, sleeping bags, packs, technical clothing, footwear, bicycles, cycling accessories, climbing equipment, water-sports products and outdoor lifestyle goods, along with services such as bicycle repair and outdoor festivals. The cooperative expanded from its first Vancouver store to a national network, with distribution facilities in British Columbia and Ontario and a corporate and group sales operation. At its height, MEC had more than five million members and was one of Canada's largest outdoor-equipment retailers, governed on a one-member, one-vote basis. MEC became particularly associated with environmental and social responsibility, pioneering public factory disclosure among Canadian retailers, adopting organic and recycled materials, joining bluesign, removing bisphenol A containers, eliminating single-use shopping bags and developing green stores and distribution facilities. It also supported outdoor participation through national programs including Paddlefest, Bikefest and Snowfest. However, the cooperative faced strategic and financial pressure. Its expansion into bicycles and broader urban categories brought conflict with some industry suppliers and independent retailers, and governance reforms prompted debate over cooperative principles versus commercial growth. After losses in 2019 and further disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, the board agreed in September 2020 to sell the operating assets without a membership vote. The deal closed in October 2020, with Kingswood Capital Management's subsidiary Mountain Equipment Company acquiring the MEC name, assets and store leases and continuing the retail business for profit, while the former cooperative was renamed 1077 Holdings Co-operative to handle creditor claims and eventual wind-up. The successor business, initially MEC Canada Inc., took over 21 stores and continued trading under the MEC name while no longer operating as a member-owned co-operative. The sale was contentious: former members objected that the assets had been sold without a member vote or consultation, and that a well-known Canadian institution had been acquired by an American investment firm; Kingswood managing partner Alex Wolf characterized the reaction as evidence of the strength of the MEC brand and the public desire for the business to survive. New management pursued a turnaround focused on cash flow, inventory discipline and supplier confidence. Changes included clearing seasonal goods through sales rather than routinely returning them to warehouses, renegotiating store leases, moving out of the former leased head office into less expensive accommodation, eliminating approximately 100 head-office positions (overall employment rose from 1,284 at the time of the sale to 1,332 by April 2021), and planning to outsource Brampton warehouse operations to a third party. Management also sought to simplify the product assortment, reduce brands and merchandise variety, separate some e-commerce inventory from store stock, end direct fabric purchasing for contractor production, and improve the economics of MEC-branded products. The historic Rock Solid Guarantee became more limited after management concluded the unrestricted returns policy had been abused, and a new loyalty program was considered to replace the former membership model. Despite pandemic closures and layoffs in Ontario, CEO and chairman Eric Claus said the business made money in every month since the acquisition. By mid-2021 the corporate name had changed to MEC Mountain Equipment Company Ltd. In October 2021 the chain formally adopted the Mountain Equipment Company name and restored the twin-peaks mountain logo, which the former cooperative had largely retired in 2013. Peter Hlynsky, previously chief operating officer, succeeded Eric Claus as CEO in October 2023. In 2025 the retailer was sold to a group of Canadian investors, with Kingswood retaining a minority stake. MEC remains an active Canadian outdoor retailer, but its corporate structure is fundamentally different from the member-owned organization that popularized the MEC identity.

MEC originated in 1971 after members of the University of British Columbia Varsity Outdoor Club were stranded by a snowstorm on Mount Baker. The experience reinforced the difficulty of obtaining climbing equipment in Canada, where many enthusiasts travelled to Seattle to shop at REI. The group responded by creating a Canadian consumer cooperative. Jim Byers wrote the original constitution, and the organization was incorporated under British Columbia cooperative legislation. The first MEC store opened on West Hastings Street in Vancouver in 1972. Expansion followed gradually: a Calgary location opened by 1981, when membership had reached approximately 57,000, and a Toronto store followed in 1985. By 1992, the cooperative reported more than 330,000 members and sales exceeding $35 million. The appointment of Bill Gibson, recruited from Hudson's Bay Company, marked a period of more professionalized expansion, including new stores in Ottawa and Edmonton. During the 2000s and 2010s, MEC developed from a specialist climbing supplier into a national outdoor retailer. It added apparel, cycling, road running, yoga and urban-outdoor products, while retaining camping, hiking, paddling and backcountry equipment. In 2006 it began a national outdoor-festival program, later adding Paddlefest, Bikefest and Snowfest. Bicycle repair services were introduced in several stores in 2008 and 2009. MEC entered bicycle retail in 2009 with a private-label line manufactured in Taiwan, later adding selected Ghost, Ridley and Intense bicycles. The cooperative's facilities and operating practices reflected its environmental identity. Its Surrey distribution centre was described as a green LEED-certified facility, while several stores and offices achieved LEED Gold ratings or met Canada's C2000 advanced-building standard. MEC was an early Canadian retailer to publish factory information, joined bluesign in 2007, pursued organic cotton and recycled materials, stopped selling products containing bisphenol A in 2007 and removed single-use shopping bags in 2008. It also offered an online used-gear exchange from 1997 and promoted outdoor education through member events. Governance remained formally democratic. Members bought lifetime shares, elected a nine-person board on a rotating basis and voted on special resolutions according to the principle of one member, one vote. The cooperative's retained capital supported inventory, facilities and growth, while patronage returns could distribute value to members. This structure attracted academic attention but also criticism from competitors and members who argued that the organization had accumulated substantial untaxed or undistributed capital and increasingly resembled a conventional national retailer. The shift toward a broader, more commercial business model produced internal and external tensions. Independent retailers objected to MEC's expansion, particularly into bicycles, and some suppliers resisted supplying the new bicycle business. Governance changes that emphasized educational and professional qualifications for board candidates also prompted concerns about member access and the cooperative's original democratic character. Financial pressures intensified in the late 2010s. The cooperative recorded losses in 2019 and faced additional disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020, the board agreed to sell the cooperative's retail assets without seeking approval from the membership. Kingswood Capital Management, through its subsidiary Mountain Equipment Company, acquired the MEC name, operating assets and store leases. The deal closed in October 2020, and the retail operation continued as a for-profit business. The original cooperative was renamed 1077 Holdings Co-operative and remained in existence to manage creditor claims, with an eventual wind-up anticipated. Mountain Equipment Company emerged from the collapse and sale of Mountain Equipment Co-op's retail business. The predecessor was a prominent Canadian outdoor co-operative, but its financial position deteriorated and its assets were sold in October 2020. Kingswood Capital Management completed the acquisition through a newly formed subsidiary initially called MEC Canada Inc. The successor took over 21 stores and continued using the MEC retail identity, as well as certain trademarks associated with the former organization. Because the new business was privately owned, it could no longer accurately present itself as a co-operative. The transaction was contentious. Former co-op members had expected the organization's assets and brand to remain under member control and were angered that the sale occurred without their consultation. The fact that the buyer was an American private-equity firm intensified concerns about the loss of a Canadian institution. Kingswood managing partner Alex Wolf characterized the reaction as evidence of the strength of the MEC brand and the public desire for the business to survive. The new management immediately concentrated on operational turnaround. It worked to rebuild credit with suppliers after the predecessor's bankruptcy-related difficulties and reviewed the economics of inventory, stores and private-label production. Seasonal products were sold down in stores rather than routinely returned to a warehouse. Store-manager incentives were adjusted to support this approach. The company moved from its expensive leased headquarters, renegotiated store leases and planned to close its Brampton warehouse while outsourcing distribution to a third-party provider. Approximately 100 head-office positions were eliminated, although overall employment increased from 1,284 employees at the time of the sale to 1,332 by April 2021 according to the cited account. MEC-branded products were also subjected to a supply-chain review. Management sought to streamline manufacturing and ended the practice of purchasing fabric directly for contractor production, which it viewed as creating unnecessary waste and risk. Other proposed measures included carrying fewer product brands, narrowing merchandise variety, separating some online inventory from store inventory and reducing shipping and stock-holding costs. The former Rock Solid Guarantee was expected to become more restrictive because management believed the unrestricted policy had been abused. A loyalty scheme was contemplated as a replacement for the former co-op membership relationship. The company faced the COVID-19 pandemic during its first period under new ownership. Ontario stores reopened at different times after pandemic closures, and later waves caused further shutdowns and layoffs. Despite those pressures, CEO and chairman Eric Claus said the business had made money in every month since the acquisition. The pandemic nevertheless constrained the pace of recovery and complicated store operations. By mid-2021, the corporate name had changed to MEC Mountain Equipment Company Ltd. In October of that year, the retailer publicly adopted the Mountain Equipment Company name and restored its twin-peaks logo, a visual symbol that had been largely retired by the former co-operative in 2013. Peter Hlynsky, previously the company's chief operating officer, replaced Eric Claus as CEO in October 2023. In 2025, ownership transferred to a group of Canadian investors, with Kingswood retaining a minority stake. MEC continues to operate as an active Canadian outdoor retailer, distinct from the member-owned co-operative that preceded it. The successor business, initially called MEC Canada Inc., took over 21 stores and continued using the MEC retail identity and certain trademarks associated with the former organization. Because the new business was privately owned, it could no longer accurately present itself as a co-operative. The transaction was contentious: former co-op members had expected the organization's assets and brand to remain under member control and were angered that the sale occurred without their consultation, and the fact that the buyer was an American private-equity firm intensified concerns about the loss of a Canadian institution. Kingswood managing partner Alex Wolf characterized the reaction as evidence of the strength of the MEC brand and the public desire for the business to survive.

• 2025

  Ownership transferred to Canadian investors

  [2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  A group of Canadian investors acquired the retailer, while Kingswood retained a minority interest.

• 2023

  Peter Hlynsky appointed CEO

  [2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  Peter Hlynsky succeeded Eric Claus as chief executive officer.

• 2021

  Operational turnaround begins

  [2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  Management introduced inventory, lease, headquarters, staffing, warehouse and supplier-credit measures intended to improve the economics of the business.

• 2021

  Corporate name and visual identity updated

  [2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  The business became MEC Mountain Equipment Company Ltd. and later formally rebranded as Mountain Equipment Company, restoring the twin-peaks logo.

• 2020

  Retail assets are sold

  [1]Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org

  Kingswood Capital Management acquires the brand, assets and store leases through a newly formed subsidiary and assumes operations of 21 stores; the former cooperative becomes 1077 Holdings Co-operative.

• 2012

  Public name becomes MEC

  [1]Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org

  The organization shortens its public-facing name to MEC.

• 2009

  MEC launches private-label bicycles

  [1]Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org

  The cooperative enters bicycle retail through an MEC-branded line sold in seven stores.

• 2007

  MEC joins bluesign

  [1]Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org

  The organization joins the bluesign textile initiative and sets targets for certified materials.

• 1997

  Used gear exchange launches

  [1]Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org

  MEC introduces a free online gear-exchange service for members.

• 1985

  Toronto store opens

  [1]Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org

  The cooperative establishes its third retail location in Toronto.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Historically positioned as a member-owned Canadian outdoor specialist combining technical product expertise, environmental responsibility, private-label value and participation in outdoor activities. After the 2020 sale, the MEC retail brand operated under private ownership rather than the original cooperative structure. A Canadian specialist outdoor retailer combining branded and private-label equipment, clothing and accessories for a broad range of recreational activities, with an emphasis on both experienced outdoor users and newcomers.

• Camping and outdoor gear · 1971

  MEC outdoor equipment

  MEC's original and most enduring range covered tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, climbing hardware, camping accessories, paddling equipment and other gear for hiking, mountaineering and backcountry travel. The cooperative designed and sourced a significant portion of these products under its own label while also carrying established specialist brands.

• Outdoor clothing

  MEC apparel

  MEC expanded from technical mountaineering garments into a broad apparel assortment for hiking, commuting, travel, running, cycling, yoga and everyday outdoor use. Its apparel strategy supported the move toward a more urban customer base and incorporated environmental goals such as organic cotton, recycled materials and bluesign-certified textiles. After the 2020 ownership transition, management reviewed the economics and supply chain of the MEC label. MEC's apparel assortment serves activities including hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, skiing and general outdoor use. The range forms part of the retailer's private-label offer and is sold alongside clothing from other outdoor brands. Management reviewed the economics and supply chain of the MEC label after the 2020 ownership transition.

• Bicycles · 2009

  MEC bicycles

  Introduced in 2009, MEC-branded bicycles broadened the cooperative into bicycle retail. The range eventually included road, mountain, hybrid and urban models, with versions designed for women and children. MEC also added selected third-party brands and supported the category with in-store bicycle servicing.

• Camping gear

  Camping and backpacking equipment

  The retailer offers equipment for camping and human-powered travel, including categories such as tents, sleeping systems, packs, cooking equipment and related accessories. These products support both established outdoor users and customers beginning to participate in camping and backcountry activities.

• Climbing gear

  Climbing equipment

  MEC's specialist outdoor assortment includes equipment and accessories for climbing-related activities. The category reflects the brand's historical connection with technical outdoor recreation and complements its broader apparel, footwear and equipment business.

• Cycling gear

  Cycling equipment

  Cycling is one of the recreation categories served by MEC. The retailer's cycling offer sits within its wider equipment and apparel portfolio and is intended for customers using bicycles for recreation, travel and outdoor activity.

• Seasonal outdoor sports

  Skiing, snowboarding and paddling equipment

  MEC sells equipment and clothing for seasonal activities including skiing, snowboarding and paddling. These categories broaden the retailer beyond camping and hiking and make seasonal inventory management an important part of its operating model.

• 2018Vista Outdoor boycott

  Canada

  MEC responded to consumer pressure following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting by announcing that it would stop stocking Vista Outdoor products. The decision linked the retailer's assortment policy to its stated social values and the wider NRA boycott.

  Outcome. The decision linked the retailer's assortment policy to its stated social values and the wider NRA boycott.

  Source
• 2008MEC Paddlefest and Bikefest

  Canada

  MEC developed annual paddling and cycling expositions as part of its outdoor-education and community strategy. Bikefest initially operated in six cities and later expanded.

  Outcome. Bikefest initially operated in six cities and later expanded.

  Source
• 2006MEC outdoor festivals

  Canada

  MEC began organizing national outdoor festivals in cities with stores, using events to encourage participation in activities beyond product sales. The program expanded to Paddlefest, Bikefest and Snowfest.

  Outcome. The program expanded to Paddlefest, Bikefest and Snowfest.

  Source

• 2025

  Sell MEC to Canadian investorsM&A

  Background

  After the period of Kingswood ownership, the retailer underwent another change in ownership.

  Action taken

  The company was sold to a group of Canadian investors, with Kingswood retaining a minority stake.

  Aftermath

  The transaction returned majority ownership to Canadian investors while leaving Kingswood connected to the business as a minority holder.

  Source

• 2021

  Implement an operational turnaroundStrategy

  Background

  The successor business needed to restore supplier creditworthiness and improve profitability after the predecessor's financial collapse.

  Action taken

  Management changed seasonal inventory practices, renegotiated leases, reduced head-office costs, reviewed warehouse operations and streamlined private-label production.

  Aftermath

  Management reported that the business became profitable in its first months under new ownership, although pandemic restrictions continued to cause closures and layoffs.

  Source

• 2021

  Revise the customer propositionStrategy

  Background

  The former co-operative membership model and unrestricted Rock Solid Guarantee did not directly fit the new for-profit ownership structure.

  Action taken

  MEC planned a more limited returns guarantee and considered introducing a loyalty program to replace the former membership relationship.

  Aftermath

  The changes marked a shift from member-oriented co-operative retailing toward conventional customer loyalty and returns policies.

  Source

• 2021

  Rebrand as Mountain Equipment CompanyOther

  Background

  The successor company needed a corporate identity that reflected its status as a private retailer while retaining the recognition associated with MEC.

  Action taken

  The company adopted the Mountain Equipment Company name and restored the twin-peaks mountain logo.

  Aftermath

  The rebrand re-established a visual element associated with the older MEC identity while distinguishing the post-co-operative business.

  Source

• 2020

  Sell the operating assets to KingswoodM&A

  Background

  MEC faced mounting losses in 2019 and additional pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  Action taken

  The board agreed to sell the brand, operating assets and store leases to a Kingswood Capital Management subsidiary without a membership vote.

  Aftermath

  The transaction closed in October 2020. The buyer operated the retail business for profit, while the former cooperative continued as 1077 Holdings Co-operative to address creditor claims.

  Source

• 2020

  Acquire and continue the MEC retail businessM&A

  Background

  The former Mountain Equipment Co-op had encountered financial difficulties, creating a need to sell its retail assets.

  Action taken

  Kingswood Capital Management acquired the assets through a new subsidiary and continued operating 21 stores under the MEC identity.

  Aftermath

  The transaction preserved the retail brand but ended its co-operative ownership structure and triggered opposition from former members.

  Source

• 2012

  Adopt MEC as the public brand nameStrategy

  Background

  The assortment had expanded from mountaineering into cycling, clothing, running, yoga and other urban outdoor activities.

  Action taken

  The organization shortened its marketing name from Mountain Equipment Co-op to MEC.

  Aftermath

  The shorter name and later logo redesign supported a broader retail identity.

  Source

• 2009

  Enter bicycle retailStrategy

  Background

  MEC sought growth beyond traditional backcountry equipment and planned to serve cycling customers with a private-label bicycle range.

  Action taken

  It contracted a Taiwanese manufacturer and introduced MEC-branded bicycles in seven stores.

  Aftermath

  Some bicycle suppliers and independent retailers opposed the move, while the category expanded to dozens of models and included third-party brands and repair services.

  • Independent bicycle retailers and suppliers — Some suppliers resisted supplying MEC, and at least one Quebec distributor objected to a manufacturer choosing MEC over an established distributor.

  Source

• 2025

  MEC sold to Canadian investors[2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  The retailer was sold to a group of Canadian investors, while Kingswood Capital Management retained a minority stake.

• 2023

  Peter Hlynsky became chief executive officer[2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  Leadership change

  Peter Hlynsky, previously the company's chief operating officer, replaced Eric Claus as CEO.

• 2021

  MEC implements post-acquisition operating changes[2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The new company pursued inventory, lease, headquarters, staffing, warehouse and private-label changes intended to improve profitability and restore supplier confidence.

• 2021

  Ontario COVID-19 restrictions caused further MEC closures and layoffs[2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  Other · Regulation

  Store reopenings were followed by another wave of restrictions, temporarily closing eight stores and sending approximately 60 employees home according to reporting cited by the company history.

• 2021

  MEC adopts Mountain Equipment Company name and restores twin-peaks logo[2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Other · Campaign

  The chain completed a formal rebrand from the post-acquisition corporate identity to Mountain Equipment Company and revived an earlier mountain-logo design.

• 2021

  MEC pursued a post-acquisition operational turnaround[2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The new operator revised inventory practices, cut head-office costs, renegotiated leases, reviewed distribution, and worked to restore supplier creditworthiness.

• 2020

  MEC agrees to asset sale to Kingswood Capital Management[1]Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org

  M&A · Bankruptcy

  After financial losses and pandemic-related pressure, MEC's board agreed to sell the operating assets, brand and store leases to a Kingswood subsidiary. The transaction closed in October.

• 2020

  Kingswood forms MEC from Mountain Equipment Co-op assets[2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  M&A · Other

  Kingswood Capital Management acquired the retail assets of the financially distressed Mountain Equipment Co-op and continued operations under the MEC brand.

• 2020

  Former co-op members criticize sale of MEC assets[2]Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Former members objected to the sale without member consultation and to the acquisition of the Canadian outdoor brand by a U.S. private-equity firm.

• 2018

  MEC stops carrying Vista Outdoor products[1]Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org

  Campaign · Other

  Following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and an NRA-related consumer boycott, MEC announced that it would no longer stock products made by Vista Outdoor.

Showing the 10 most recent.

1. 1Mountain Equipment Co-open.wikipedia.org
2. 2Mountain Equipment Companyen.wikipedia.org
3. 3MEC official websitemec.ca