PFD Maker Stohlquist Closing Down, Looking For Buyer
Update - May 24th, 2024: Stohlquist has been acquired and will continue operation.
Stohlquist who has been making whitewater, recreational, fishing and touring PFDs as well as wetsuits for over 40 years will be closing down operations shortly. Stohlquist’s parent company Aqualung (who purchased them in 2004) was recently purchased by $347+ billion global investment manager Barings which in turn sparked Aqualung to exit the sporting goods categories in North America…
“It’s up in the air right now, but as of now, Aqualung is basically ceasing operations of Stohlquist moving forward. I know that there are industry questions about the brand and interest in keeping it alive. People have been reaching out to see if it can continue, buying its IP, product inventory and other options. But they’re going to focus on Aqualung’s pro diving category, as well as military and professional dive lines.”
Stohlquist products are the result of a lifetime of hands-on paddling, entrepreneurial spirit, craftsmanship and design experience of the company founder and president, Jim Stohlquist. We wish them luck!
Evan Holt
