Australian overlanding outfitter Rhino-Rack has officially acquired Colorado-based bike rack manufacturer RockyMounts, marking a significant shift in the landscape of outdoor gear. This acquisition aims to enhance Rhino-Rack’s portfolio and expand its reach within the overlanding community, which shares a strong affinity for biking and outdoor adventures.
Key Takeaways
- Acquisition Details: Rhino-Rack has purchased RockyMounts, a family-owned company known for its innovative bike racks.
- Leadership Transition: Bobby Noyes, founder of RockyMounts, will remain involved in product development.
- Operational Changes: RockyMounts will continue operations in Colorado, with some consolidation in Denver.
- Future Prospects: The acquisition is expected to strengthen the connection between biking and overlanding.
Background of RockyMounts
Founded in 1993 by Bobby Noyes in Boulder, Colorado, RockyMounts has built a reputation for producing high-quality roof and hitch bike racks. The company has been a family-owned business for three decades, focusing on innovation and customer satisfaction. Under Noyes’s leadership, RockyMounts has developed a loyal consumer base and a range of dependable products.
Rhino-Rack's Vision
Rhino-Rack, an industry leader in premium automotive roof racks, aims to integrate RockyMounts into its portfolio of adventure brands. Mat Hayward, Managing Director of the Clarus Adventure Segment, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are proud to be able to include RockyMounts in our portfolio of Adventure brands to expand our opportunity to be a bigger part of people’s adventure."
Bobby Noyes's Perspective
Bobby Noyes shared his thoughts on the acquisition, emphasizing the importance of finding a trustworthy partner for the future of RockyMounts. He stated, "I had a short list of companies that I could trust to care for it the way I have. I am so excited to see where Rhino-Rack takes RockyMounts and I know that my brand and people are in great hands with Mat and Tripp at the helm."
Operational Changes Ahead
While the terms of the sale remain undisclosed, it has been confirmed that there will be no major changes to the daily operations of RockyMounts in the short term. The brand will continue to be managed out of Colorado, although Rhino-Rack will cease operations in Grand Junction to consolidate in Denver, improving rail delivery access.
The Bigger Picture
The acquisition aligns with the growing trend of cross-over between the overlanding community and biking enthusiasts. Rhino-Rack’s purchase of RockyMounts is seen as a strategic move to tap into this shared market, potentially leading to innovative product offerings that cater to both outdoor activities.
As Rhino-Rack integrates RockyMounts into its operations, the outdoor gear industry will be watching closely to see how this partnership evolves and what new products may emerge from this collaboration. The future looks promising for both brands as they work together to enhance the outdoor adventure experience for their customers.
