MPE Partners, alongside its portfolio company SKB Cases, announced the acquisition of NANUK Gear Protection, a manufacturer of premium protective cases based in Terrebonne, Québec. The transaction brings together two complementary companies in the protective case market, expanding product offerings, geographic reach, and customer segments. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
NANUK specializes in high-performance, injection-molded protective cases used across a range of industries, including photo and video equipment, drones, outdoor recreation, defense, industrial, and medical applications. The company operates globally, serving customers in more than 50 countries with customizable and durable solutions supported by in-house design and engineering capabilities.
SKB Cases, headquartered in Orange, California, manufactures specialty protective cases for markets such as military and industrial applications, music and professional audio-visual equipment, and sports. The company serves over 1,400 customers and utilizes multiple manufacturing processes, including injection molding, rotational molding, and vacuum molding.
Following the acquisition, NANUK’s management team will continue to lead operations, with Vincenzo Giorgio serving as General Manager for Canada and Europe. The combined platform is expected to drive growth through expanded capabilities, broader market access, and operational synergies.
MPE Partners, a private equity firm based in Cleveland and Boston, focuses on investing in lower middle market companies within high-value manufacturing and commercial and industrial services sectors. The firm partnered with SKB to execute the transaction, with financing provided by Apogem Capital.
Advisors on the deal included Stikeman Elliott and Jones Day as legal counsel to MPE Partners, PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance as financial advisor to NANUK’s shareholders, and BCF as their legal advisor.
KEY QUOTES:
“NANUK has built a strong, differentiated brand that enhances SKB’s product portfolio while bringing new customers, geographies, and applications. We look forward to joining forces with NANUK’s talented team to drive the next phase of growth and success for the combined platform.”
John Saxon, Executive Chairman and CEO, SKB Cases
“We have long regarded NANUK as a leading brand in the market and are excited to partner with our new colleagues. This combination positions us to better serve our valued customers.”
Daniel Jewell, President and CCO, SKB Cases
“We are thrilled about this partnership and believe SKB and NANUK are highly complementary businesses and a natural strategic fit. With the continued support of the SKB and NANUK teams, alongside MPE, the combined platform is well positioned to accelerate growth by unlocking meaningful commercial and operational opportunities.”
Brendan Newman, Principal, MPE Partners
“NANUK has built a strong organization with a loyal customer base and a dedicated team. This partnership with SKB represents an exciting next chapter of growth and further strengthens the Company’s ability to invest in and support the employees and customers at the heart of our success.”
Vincenzo Giorgio, General Manager, Canada & Europe, NANUK Gear Protection
