Yeti acquires company with ‘obsession’ for quality

It was only six months ago that Alex Kutches (below), President of pack brand Mystery Ranch, was talking about his company’s growth in a tough market. Direct to consumer sales were on the rise and full year 2019 revenue growth had already been eclipsed.

Now the Bozeman, Montana, manufacturer with an ‘obsession’ with quality is in new hands following its acquisition by outdoor products company Yeti for an undisclosed sum.

Mystery Ranch’s substantial growth since 2019 – it is now four times bigger – had not escaped the eye of Yeti President and CEO Matt Reintjes.

“It has earned a global reputation within the most demanding communities by building load-bearing equipment for the harshest environments,” he said as the deal was announced. “It’s obsession with quality makes it a natural fit with Yeti.”

Mystery Ranch, founded in 2000, will remain in Bozeman, where it has more than 100 employees. The company sells to some 450 retailers across the US. It will launch a new line of technical backpacks in Spring this year.

Yeti, famous for its coolers, reported sales of $434 million for the fourth quarter ended September 30.