SKB Cases Acquires NANUK Gear Protection to Boost Growth

MPE Partners, a private equity firm based in Cleveland and Boston, announces that its portfolio company SKB Cases, LLC has acquired NANUK Gear Protection Inc., a premium injection molded protective case manufacturer headquartered in Terrebonne, Québec. The transaction, announced on April 8, 2026, aims to accelerate growth by combining the strengths of both companies in the protective cases market.

While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the strategic combination brings together SKB’s broad manufacturing capabilities and established customer base with NANUK’s differentiated product portfolio and loyal clientele. Apogem Capital provided financing support for the transaction. Legal counsel for MPE Partners included Stikeman Elliott and Jones Day, while PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance served as exclusive financial advisor to NANUK’s shareholders, with BCF acting as legal advisor.

SKB Cases, headquartered in Orange, California, operates manufacturing facilities in the US and Mexico. The company produces specialty protective cases serving diverse sectors such as military, industrial, music, professional audio-visual, and sports. SKB leverages multiple manufacturing techniques including injection molding, rotational molding, and vacuum molding to deliver customizable, high-quality products to over 1,400 customers.

NANUK Gear Protection, based in Québec with operations in the Netherlands, specializes in premium injection molded protective cases designed for mission-critical equipment. Its products serve end markets including photo/video, drones, outdoor recreation, defense, industrial, and medical sectors. NANUK supports a global customer base across more than 50 countries through innovative, durable, and customizable solutions.

John Saxon, SKB’s Executive Chairman and CEO, highlights the strategic value of the acquisition: “NANUK has built a strong, differentiated brand that enhances SKB’s product portfolio while bringing new customers, geographies, and applications. We look forward to joining forces with NANUK’s talented team to drive the next phase of growth and success for the combined platform.” Daniel Jewell, SKB’s President and Chief Commercial Officer, adds, “This combination positions us to better serve our valued customers by leveraging complementary strengths.” Vincenzo Giorgio, NANUK’s General Manager for Canada and Europe, notes, “This partnership represents an exciting next chapter of growth and strengthens our ability to invest in and support our employees and customers.” Brendan Newman, Principal at MPE, describes the deal as a “natural strategic fit” that will unlock commercial and operational opportunities.

The combined entity is expected to benefit from cross-selling complementary product lines, expanding sales channels through SKB’s established distribution network, and joint product development targeting mission-critical equipment sectors. Operational synergies include consolidation of manufacturing and supply chains, economies of scale in raw material procurement, and integration of R&D teams to accelerate innovation.

Market trends indicate increasing demand for durable, customizable protective cases across industrial, defense, and technology sectors. The combination strengthens market share in the premium protective cases segment and expands geographic reach across North America and Europe.

Integration challenges include aligning corporate cultures, harmonizing manufacturing processes across different geographies, and retaining key management and technical talent. The companies plan to address these through collaborative management and shared best practices.

Looking ahead, the combined platform aims to optimize manufacturing footprint, enhance product innovation, and scale operations to meet growing global demand. Regulatory approvals are expected to be routine given the nature of the transaction.

This strategic acquisition positions SKB and NANUK to compete more effectively in a consolidating industry, offering enhanced value to customers and stakeholders.