If you’re a sailing enthusiast, you may have heard of North Sails – one of the leading brands in the sailing world. Recently, there has been some speculation as to whether North Sails is owned by Prada. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into this question and explore the relationship between these two iconic brands.
What is North Sails?
North Sails is a company that specializes in sailmaking. Founded in 1957 by Lowell North, a renowned sailor and innovator, the company has since become a household name in the sailing world. They are known for their high-quality sails that have been used by some of the most successful sailors and teams around the globe.
Who owns North Sails?
In 2014, North Sails was acquired by Oakley Capital – a private equity firm based in London. However, rumors started circulating that Prada had bought a stake in North Sails or even acquired it outright.
Prada’s involvement
While it’s true that Prada has been linked to North Sails, they do not own it. Instead, they have a licensing agreement with the company to produce and sell Prada-branded sailing gear. This means that while there may be products with both Prada and North Sails branding on them, Prada does not actually own any part of North Sails.
The benefits of this partnership
The partnership between Prada and North Sails has been mutually beneficial. For Prada, it allows them to expand their product offerings beyond their traditional fashion lines into a niche market with a dedicated following. For North Sails, it provides an opportunity to tap into Prada’s global reach and marketing expertise.
The future of North Sails
Despite any rumors or speculation about ownership changes, it seems that North Sails will continue to operate independently under Oakley Capital’s ownership. They remain committed to their mission of creating the best sails in the world and providing top-notch customer service to sailors everywhere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there may have been some confusion about Prada’s involvement with North Sails, it is important to note that they do not own the company. Instead, they have a licensing agreement that allows them to produce and sell Prada-branded sailing gear. Regardless of any rumors or speculation about ownership changes, North Sails remains a leader in the sailing world and is committed to providing high-quality products and services to its customers.