Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD), the esteemed Virginia-based ultralight gear manufacturer, has announced its intention to sell the company. Founder Ron Bell, after over two decades in the industry, is seeking a full sale or partial acquisition as he approaches retirement. (mountainlaureldesigns.com)
Established in 2002, MLD has been at the forefront of ultralight backpacking equipment, renowned for its tents, tarps, bivvies, and backpacks. The company has significantly influenced the ultralight community, introducing innovative materials like UltraX and X-Pac. (mountainlaureldesigns.com)
In a recent announcement, Ron Bell outlined several options for potential buyers:
-
Full Sale: Complete transfer of ownership and control of MLD, including its brand and future direction.
-
Partial Acquisition: Opportunities for majority or minority ownership, with expectations of a 40+ hour per week on-site commitment and involvement in production to understand the business operations.
-
Management-to-Ownership Role: A dynamic leadership position with a moderate base salary, profit-sharing, and progressive ownership accrual, designed for individuals eager to immerse themselves in the business without initial capital investment.
Ron emphasized his commitment to a smooth transition, stating, “I’ve built Mountain Laurel Designs from the ground up over 25 years and am now transitioning into retirement. I’m not in a rush—and I’m fully committed to remaining fully involved through any transition, for as long as it takes, to ensure the company continues to thrive.” (mountainlaureldesigns.com)
For those interested in exploring these opportunities, MLD has provided contact information on their website. (mountainlaureldesigns.com)
As MLD seeks new ownership, the ultralight gear community watches closely, anticipating the future of a brand that has been instrumental in shaping lightweight backpacking equipment.