Is Roots Canada Canadian?
No, Roots Canada is not majority Canadian-owned. Founded in Toronto in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green, a controlling majority stake was sold in 2015 to US private equity firm Searchlight Capital Partners. The vast majority of its apparel is now manufactured overseas.
Who Really Owns Roots Canada?
Searchlight Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity fund, acquired majority ownership of Roots in 2015 before taking it public on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ROOT) in 2017. Searchlight remains the primary controlling shareholder.
Where Are Roots Canada Products Manufactured?
While Roots operates a small leather factory in Toronto crafting select bags and jackets, more than 90% of its cotton fleece, hoodies, and sweatpants are imported from factories in Asia.
- Controlled by New York private equity firm Searchlight Capital Partners.
- Small Toronto leather workshop exists, but everyday fleece is offshore imported.
- Best 100% Canadian-made fleece alternative is Province of Canada or Reigning Champ.
Authentic Canadian Alternatives to Roots Canada
Province of Canada
Toronto, ON100% knitted, dyed, and sewn in Ontario and Quebec using organic cotton.
Reigning Champ
Vancouver, BCMaster fleece makers custom milling heavyweight terry cotton in Vancouver.
Anian
Victoria, BCCircular post-consumer recycled wool garments made in British Columbia.
Canadian Products You Can Buy Instead
Schott NYC Perfecto 618 Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Carhartt B01 Double Front Firm Duck Work Dungaree
Frequently Asked Questions: Is Roots Canada Canadian?
Is Roots Canada 100% Canadian-owned?
No, Roots Canada is not majority Canadian-owned. Founded in Toronto in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green, a controlling majority stake was sold in 2015 to US private equity firm Searchlight Capital Partners. The vast majority of its apparel is now manufactured overseas.
Is Roots still made in Canada?
Mostly no. Except for select leather bags and handcrafted footwear made in its Toronto workshop, Roots fleece, sweatpants, and t-shirts are manufactured overseas in China, Vietnam, and India.
Who owns Roots Canada today?
Roots is majority-controlled by Searchlight Capital Partners, an American private equity firm based in New York.
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