LAFAYETTE, Calif. – The Wing Group, a portfolio of leading marine and outdoor brands including Wing Inflatables, Mustang Survival, FabTek, Henshaw, and Patten, today announced the acquisition of Kokatat, a respected manufacturer of premium paddle sports apparel and equipment, headquartered in Arcata, California.
The acquisition is rooted in a long-standing relationship and shared values between the organizations. Kokatat’s deep history in recreational and professional paddle sports industry, along with the trust it has earned with end users through a legacy of quality, value, innovation, and excellence, makes it a natural fit within the Wing Group portfolio.
Andrew Branagh, CEO of the Wing Group, has been expanding the Wing Group’s scale and reach with acquisitions aligned to its values and mission. “This acquisition further strengthens the Group’s whitewater and paddling presence. Kokatat has been firmly embedded in that vertical since its founding. We value the talent, technical knowledge, and the company’s unique bond with the river. Kokatat brings capabilities that few organizations possess—and Arcata remains a critical part of that expertise and legacy.”
Kokatat will continue to operate as an independent brand under the Wing Group with global support from Mustang Survival. Kokatat is continuing operations and is well-positioned to accelerate with Mustang Survival’s broader infrastructure. Critical resources across the Wing Group will be shared across manufacturing, operations, IT and planning, and quality, while maintaining continuity for customers and partners. Mark Loughmiller, CEO of Kokatat will remain in a leadership position, working in partnership with Mark Branagh, current Director of US Commercial Sales at Mustang Survival, representing the Wing Group.
This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for The Wing Group’s global growth. Together with Kokatat, they are committed to continuing to serve paddlers and professionals with trusted gear.
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About The Wing Group
The Wing Group and its companies (Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries, and Mustang Survival) deliver confidence to the world’s most demanding marine and aviation users through innovative and high-quality technical solutions – on, over and under the water. The Wing Group is a leader in inflatable boats, life rafts, flotation, dry suits, and other tactical and survival solutions for recreational, commercial, and military customers.
About Kokatat Inc
Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for over 50 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat!
kokatat.com
For further information, please contact:
Sieneke Toering
PR & Communications
Tel: 1-604-354-1161
