Black Diamond Acquires POC, enters 'Gravity Sports' Space

Climbing and outdoor brand Black Diamond Inc. of Utah announced it will acquire POC Sweden AB, a Stockholm-based maker of helmets and protective gear for action sports.

The cost is 311 million Swedish kronor for BD to take over operations of POC, which plays in the “gravity sports” realm with helmets, body armor, goggles, eyewear, and gloves for skiers, downhill bikers, and snowboarders looking to suit up in protective gear.

Alongside ice axes, ‘biners and trekking poles, BD will ostensibly soon sell items like the Spine VPD Vest WO, a women’s top that protects against spinal injury, or goggles made for mountain biking.

Said Peter Metcalf, President and CEO of Black Diamond, “POC fits our ultimate vision of bringing together the best and brightest companies in terms of product design, aesthetics [and] culture.” Metcalf notes POC’s research lab and its “valuable intellectual property” as items that sealed the deal.

Over a decade, Black Diamond has gone from a core climbing brand to a company well known now in categories from backcountry skiing to headlamps to backpacks. The brand has one of the most comprehensive and quality lines of products for mountain sports.

The POC acquisition adds the “gravity” angle to its quiver, expanding BD’s reach further into every corner of mountain culture.

—Stephen Regenold