MANUFACTURING
Coolibar Acquired by California Company
Minneapolis-based sun-protective apparel and accessories maker Coolibar Inc. has been acquired by Olivarius Hospitality California, a Santa Barbara, Calif.–based company owned by Olivier Leclercq.
“We are excited by the opportunity to continue growing our business with a new owner that is deeply passionate about our mission to inspire healthy outdoor living as well as transforming Coolibar into the global standard for sun-protective clothing,” said Kendra Reichenau, Coolibar chief executive officer, in a company statement.
Founded in 2001, Coolibar designs, manufactures and markets premium sun-protective clothing and accessories for men, women and children. The company’s products, which provide UPF 50+ protection from ultraviolet rays, have the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of recommendation.
“As a long-time Coolibar customer and active outdoor sportsman, I am deeply committed to the Coolibar mission to provide premium sun protection from the damaging effects of the sun. I look forward to lending expertise in the areas of global expansion and growth strategies from the Minneapolis-based headquarters,” said Leclercq, Olivarius’ chairman of the company, which operates the Olivarius hotels in France. He is the former chairman of French sporting-goods retail chain Decathlon.
