September 12, 2024 - For Immediate Release.
Snow Peak Acquires Majority Stake in Swift Fly Fishing Company
Portland, OR - September 12, 2024 - Snow Peak, a Japanese camping brand with 65 years of history, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Swift Fly Fishing, making it a proud subsidiary of the Snow Peak family. This strategic acquisition aligns with Snow Peak’s mission of reconnecting people with nature through innovative outdoor experiences.
Founded in 1958, Snow Peak has long been a pioneer in the outdoor industry, offering products and experiences that bring the outdoors into everyday life. With a deep commitment to enhancing human connections through nature, Snow Peak continues to expand its offerings, fostering a global community of campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
“We are thrilled to bring Swift Fly Fishing and the Epic Fly Rod brand into the Snow Peak family,” said Tohru Yamai, Snow Peak CEO and Chairman of the Board. “This union beautifully blends our passion for camping with Swift’s artistry in fly fishing, further extending our mission to connect humans with nature’s rhythms. We look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead as we deepen our investment in the fly fishing market.”
Swift Fly Fishing, headquartered in Wanaka, New Zealand, is a leading innovator in the global fly fishing industry, best known for its Epic Fly Rods brand. The Epic brand has set a new standard in fly fishing gear with its use of advanced materials and innovative designs, including graphite, graphene, and Epics proprietary “FastGlass” composite material. Epic fly rods, reels, and accessories are celebrated for their superior design, strength, and precision, making them the top choice for discerning anglers around the world.
Beyond its premium products, Swift will also expand into experiential adventure tours that will blend travel, accommodation, dining, and fly fishing experiences in collaboration with elite fly fishing communities globally.
Founded by Carl McNeil and Jeanie Ackley, Swift has established itself as an innovator within the industry. “While we will remain heavily influenced by our New Zealand heritage, the new relationship with Snow Peak will allow us to extend our fly fishing offerings and expand globally” says McNeil. “New Zealand is the perfect laboratory to design and develop world class fly fishing equipment, we’re extremely excited about what's on the horizon”
Through the acquisition, Snow Peak aims to integrate the advanced technologies and superior quality of Swift’s “Epic” brand into its own offerings, creating unique outdoor activity experiences that combine the joys of camping and fly fishing. This partnership is expected to further Snow Peak’s goal of restoring human nature by deepening people’s connection to the natural world.
About Snow Peak.
Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak is a camping brand serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed camping equipment serves as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and Brooklyn, as well as a Portland restaurant, Takibi, a PNW izakaya that brings to life the brand's belief that time spent sharing food and drink by the fire is the best way to connect with one another. snowpeak.com
About Swift Fly Fishing.
Founded in 2011 Swift Fly Fishing, based in Wanaka, New Zealand, is well known for its upstart brand Epic Fly Rods, producing premium fly fishing gear.
The company was founded by Carl McNeil and Jeanie Ackley, the filmmaking couple that produced the award winning fly fishing films Once in a Blue Moon, Casts that Catch Fish and Itu’s Bones.
Carl was one of the first FFI (Fly Fishers International) Certified Master Fly Casting Instructors in New Zealand and has taught hundreds of anglers how to fly cast both at home and abroad. The couples hugely popular fly casting DVD ‘Casts That Catch Fish’ remains one of the most popular fly casting films made.
He is a recipient of the FFI’s Presidents Pin award for services to fly casting, and is also the recipient of the FFI’s conservation award. McNeil has Fly Fished for New Zealand in the Jackson Hole One Fly.
Previously nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: Cinematography, Jeanie is an internationally recognised documentary filmmaker, camera woman and marine biologist. Jeanie takes care of the day to day management and smooth running of the company.
For more information, please visit snowpeak.com and epicflyrods.com
