Northleaf Finalizes Investment in CCM Hockey with Altor Equity Partners
Northleaf Capital Partners, a global private markets investment firm, has announced the completion of an investment in CCM Hockey (“CCM” or “the Company”) through funds under its management. This investment was made in partnership with Altor Equity Partners (“Altor”), a renowned European private equity firm specializing in middle-market investments. Together, they have acquired CCM Hockey, although the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Founded in 1899, CCM is one of the most iconic and established names in the world of hockey. It is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of a wide range of hockey equipment, including sticks, skates, helmets, protective gear, goalie equipment, and apparel. The company is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and has a significant international presence, operating in over 40 countries. It has established itself as a key player in the sports industry, endorsed by top-tier athletes from both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), further solidifying its position as a leader in the hockey equipment sector.
Michael Flood, Head of Private Equity at Northleaf, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, noting, “Northleaf is proud to be a part of Canadian hockey history and to support CCM’s next stage of growth, alongside a trusted mid-market sponsor like Altor. CCM’s iconic brand and strong industry tailwinds, combined with Altor’s extensive experience in the consumer sector, create a very attractive opportunity to generate robust, risk-adjusted returns for our investors.”
Altor, with its significant expertise in consumer-focused investments, is excited about this partnership. Andreas Källström Säfweräng, Partner and Head of the Consumer Sector at Altor, commented on the collaboration, saying, “Northleaf is an experienced investor with a global network and deep knowledge of the local Canadian market, and we are thrilled to be partnering with their team. Together, our combined resources and expertise will empower CCM to accelerate its strategic initiatives, unlocking new growth opportunities for the brand.”
The collaboration between Northleaf and Altor is poised to be an integral part of CCM’s growth strategy, particularly as the company celebrates a significant milestone—its 125th anniversary. Marrouane Nabih, CEO of Hockey, shared his excitement for the future of the company, stating, “This is an exciting new chapter for CCM as we mark our 125-year anniversary.
The partnership with Northleaf and Altor will enable us to scale our ambitious growth strategy and pursue new opportunities across CCM’s global portfolio. Our shared commitment to growing the game of hockey, our passion for product innovation, and our focus on delivering high-performance, quality products to our consumers make this partnership incredibly compelling.”
Northleaf Capital Partners has established itself as a leader in the private markets investment space over the past two decades, building a reputation for its expertise in supporting mid-market companies and partnering with private equity sponsors. Northleaf’s long track record, strong underwriting capabilities, and deep understanding of private equity investing—including co-investments, secondaries, structured capital, and primary investments—make it a trusted partner for such transactions. The firm has successfully completed more than 150 private equity co-investments, and its recent investment in CCM further exemplifies its ability to collaborate with leading private equity firms in securing high-quality mid-market companies.
This investment marks a significant step in Northleaf’s continued growth within the private equity space, particularly in its ability to support consumer-focused businesses that are poised for expansion in both established and emerging markets. With a global network and local expertise, Northleaf remains committed to supporting companies that drive innovation and market leadership, and CCM Hockey represents a prime example of this commitment.
CCM’s legacy in hockey is one of product excellence and innovation, and this partnership is expected to build upon that foundation by enabling the company to expand its reach and further solidify its standing as a global leader in the sports equipment industry. The expertise of both Northleaf and Altor will ensure that CCM can continue to lead in the development of high-performance products, engage with new audiences, and pursue new opportunities in an ever-changing market.
As the global sports industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for high-quality hockey equipment remains strong. CCM is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand with its renowned product line, which includes everything from sticks and skates to protective gear and apparel. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality, along with its strategic vision for growth, aligns perfectly with the investment goals of both Northleaf and Altor.
For CCM, the partnership is an opportunity to continue to build on its strong brand presence, improve product offerings, and expand into new international markets. The additional resources and expertise brought by Northleaf and Altor will allow the company to accelerate its growth initiatives, enhance its manufacturing capabilities, and leverage new technologies in product development to meet the needs of both amateur and professional athletes worldwide.
Northleaf’s approach to private equity investing has been successful in creating long-term value for its investors and portfolio companies. With an emphasis on sustainable growth, operational improvements, and strategic market expansion, Northleaf’s involvement with CCM is expected to provide the company with the necessary tools to achieve its next phase of success. By partnering with Altor, Northleaf has helped position CCM to not only sustain its leadership in the hockey equipment sector but also to innovate and expand its influence in the broader sports market.
The global reach of CCM Hockey is an important factor in its ongoing success. With an established presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, CCM is poised to expand further into emerging markets, where the demand for hockey equipment is on the rise. As more countries embrace the sport of hockey, CCM’s legacy and reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality gear will serve as a strong foundation for growth.
Looking ahead, the partnership between Northleaf and Altor is expected to drive new strategic initiatives for CCM, helping the company continue to evolve and maintain its competitive edge. As the sports equipment industry continues to be influenced by advancements in technology, increased consumer demand for performance-driven products, and the growing popularity of hockey around the world, CCM’s ability to innovate and adapt will be key to its continued success.
The partnership will also be instrumental in enhancing CCM’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the company remains focused on environmental and social responsibility as it expands its global footprint. Through innovation and strategic investments, CCM will work to integrate sustainability into every aspect of its operations, from product design and manufacturing to distribution and consumer engagement.
As CCM celebrates 125 years of excellence in the hockey industry, the future looks bright for the company. With the support of Northleaf and Altor, CCM is poised for even greater success as it continues to push the boundaries of innovation, performance, and growth. Together, Northleaf, Altor, and CCM will work to solidify the company’s position as a global leader in hockey equipment while continuing to foster the sport and inspire future generations of hockey players around the world.
