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Verdict: Foreign-Owned (Kingswood Capital USA)Outdoor Apparel & Equipment

Is Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) Canadian?

Quick Answer & Ownership Summary

No, Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is no longer Canadian-owned or a member co-op. In 2020, the iconic Canadian co-op filed for creditor protection and was sold to Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, California.

Parent Company
Kingswood Capital Management (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
Headquarters
Vancouver, British Columbia
Founded
1971 in Vancouver, BC as Mountain Equipment Co-op
Manufacturing
Most MEC brand tents, packs, and technical clothing are manufactured overseas in Asia, with product design centered in Vancouver.
The Ownership Reality & Corporate History

Who Really Owns Mountain Equipment Company (MEC)?

For nearly 50 years, MEC was Canada’s largest consumer co-operative with over 5 million members. In September 2020, during the COVID pandemic, MEC’s board sold its assets out of CCAA proceedings to Kingswood Capital Management, terminating its co-op status and transferring ownership to a US private equity fund.

Where Are Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) Products Manufactured?

Most MEC brand tents, packs, and technical clothing are manufactured overseas in Asia, with product design centered in Vancouver.

Verified Fast Facts
  • No longer a co-op; member shares were dissolved in 2020.
  • Owned by Kingswood Capital Management (Los Angeles private equity).
  • Design team based in Vancouver, BC; gear manufactured overseas.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Is Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) Canadian?

Is Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) 100% Canadian-owned?

No, Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is no longer Canadian-owned or a member co-op. In 2020, the iconic Canadian co-op filed for creditor protection and was sold to Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, California.

Is MEC still a Canadian co-op?

No. In 2020, Mountain Equipment Co-op entered creditor protection and was sold to American private investment firm Kingswood Capital Management, ending its co-operative structure.

Who owns MEC today?

MEC is owned by Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, California.

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