MPE Partners and SKB Cases Acquire NANUK Gear Protection

The acquisition combines two leading protective case manufacturers to drive growth and innovation.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:38pm

MPE Partners, along with portfolio company SKB Cases, LLC, announced the acquisition of NANUK Gear Protection Inc., a manufacturer of premium protective cases serving a range of end markets. The partnership aims to leverage the complementary strengths of the companies to accelerate growth and investment in the combined platform.

Why it matters

The acquisition brings together two respected brands in the protective case industry, allowing them to expand their product offerings, customer reach, and manufacturing capabilities to better serve their global customer base. It highlights the continued consolidation and growth in the specialized protective equipment market.

The details

NANUK, headquartered in Terrebonne, Quebec, with additional operations in the Netherlands, is known for its highly engineered, durable, and customizable protective cases. SKB, based in Orange, California, is a manufacturer of specialty protective cases serving military, industrial, music, and sports markets. The combined company plans to leverage NANUK's design, engineering, and assembly capabilities along with SKB's diverse manufacturing expertise to drive innovation and scalable growth.

  • The acquisition was announced on April 8, 2026.

The players

MPE Partners

A private equity firm also known as Morgenthaler Private Equity, based in Cleveland and Boston.

SKB Cases, LLC

A manufacturer of specialty protective cases headquartered in Orange, California, and a portfolio company of MPE Partners.

NANUK Gear Protection Inc.

A manufacturer of premium injection molded protective cases, headquartered in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada.

Vincenzo Giorgio

The General Manager, Canada & Europe at NANUK.

John Saxon

The Executive Chairman and CEO of SKB.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— John Saxon, Executive Chairman and CEO of SKB

“We have long regarded NANUK as a leading brand in the market and are excited to partner with our new colleagues. This combination positions us to better serve our valued customers.”

— Daniel Jewell, President and CCO of SKB

“NANUK has built a strong organization with a loyal customer base and a dedicated team. This partnership with SKB represents an exciting next chapter of growth and further strengthens the Company's ability to invest in and support the employees and customers at the heart of our success.”

— Vincenzo Giorgio, General Manager, Canada & Europe at NANUK

What’s next

The combined company plans to leverage the strengths of both NANUK and SKB to drive innovation, expand their global customer base, and invest in their employees and operations to support continued growth.

The takeaway

This acquisition brings together two respected brands in the protective case industry, allowing them to combine their engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and customer relationships to better serve their global markets and accelerate their growth trajectory.