The leading British manufacturer of riding helmets, Charles Owen, which celebrated its 100th birthday last year, has joined forces with another key player in the equestrian sector.
Charles Owen, a top international brand selling riding helmets and other horse riding equipment all over the world from its headquarters in Wrexham, has acquired Airowear, suppliers of equestrian body protectors throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.
Roy Burek, managing director of Charles Owen, said “We are very excited to have brought together two of the UK’s most recognisable equestrian brands which will enable us to reach new markets and develop the industry’s next generation of world leading and technologically advanced designs.”
Airowear, which employs 20 people at its base in Northumberland, currently exports 50% of its products and maintains significant footholds in Scandinavia and Germany as well as having distributors further afield in Japan and Australia. Charles Owen plans to expand the export of Airowear products into other markets including the US, where it is a major player.
Ed Barnes, Head of Corporate at DTM Legal, who acted for Charles Owen on the deal, added “We have acted for Charles Owen for a number of years now. The business is a real success story in the region and it we are pleased to have played a part in the latest stage if it’s international development.”