Saint Angelo Acquires Woolrich IP in a Strategic Move Toward Global Expansion

On March 21, Saint Angelo announced the completion of its acquisition of the intellectual property rights for Woolrich, the iconic American outdoor brand. The deal, valued at €50.83 million (approximately ¥384 million), covers the purchase of intellectual property, a five-year product procurement and brand consulting agreement, and related taxes in China. The acquisition accounts for 8.84% of Saint Angelo’s most recent audited net assets. The transfer of intellectual property rights has now been finalized.

With this acquisition, Saint Angelo gains ownership of Woolrich's core trademarks, domain names, and copyrights across 26 markets, including China (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. The company also secures the rights to register and operate the brand in all regions outside of Europe.

Meanwhile, Woolrich Group retains ownership of the brand’s IP in Europe and will continue overseeing product development, marketing, manufacturing, and retail operations in the region. To ensure global business continuity, Saint Angelo has authorized Woolrich Group to honor existing licensing and distribution agreements in markets such as the U.S. and Japan, with Woolrich Group paying royalties in return. Additionally, both companies have signed a five-year product procurement and brand consulting agreement to maintain a consistent global brand identity and product strategy.

Founded in 1830 by John Rich in Pennsylvania, Woolrich is one of America’s oldest and most prestigious outdoor brands. The company began as a woolen textile manufacturer and rose to prominence during the American Civil War as a supplier of military blankets. In 1939, it outfitted U.S. Navy Admiral Richard Byrd’s Antarctic expedition, cementing its reputation for high-performance outdoor apparel. Over the decades, Woolrich expanded its offerings to include hunting, skiing, and outdoor gear, developing a loyal following. Today, nearly 200 years since its founding, the brand’s portfolio spans heritage-inspired casualwear, outdoor apparel, children's wear, and home textiles. It operates an extensive global distribution network across online and offline channels. Signature products like the buffalo check shirt, Arctic Parka, and expedition-grade outerwear have become classics, while the red-and-black buffalo check pattern remains a recognized symbol in fashion.

“This acquisition is a strategic step in strengthening our position in the apparel industry and expanding our multi-brand portfolio,” Saint Angelo stated. “It also marks a key milestone in our global expansion efforts.”

Moving forward, Saint Angelo plans to fully integrate Woolrich into its brand ecosystem, leveraging the American heritage label’s storied legacy and global influence. The company will drive international brand awareness through global marketing campaigns and adopt a diversified business model—including direct retail, franchising, licensing, and e-commerce—to expand Woolrich’s presence worldwide. To support this expansion, Saint Angelo also plans to establish an R&D center in Shanghai, consolidating global supply chain resources to enhance product innovation.