Gathr Outdoors

Gathr Outdoors functions as an operating holding company, not a family office or a traditional investment fund. It acquires outdoor-product brands outright and operates them as a consolidated business, with centralized supply-chain, sales, and marketing functions. Its backer, Centre Partners, provides private equity capital to fund the roll-up strategy.

The company acquires founder-led outdoor recreation brands with established retail distribution and loyal, enthusiast customer bases. It targets categories — camping furniture, coolers, tent systems, fishing tackle, vehicle overlanding accessories — where multiple sub-scale labels can share manufacturing partners, retail relationships, and direct-to-consumer infrastructure. Acquisitions typically keep their brand identity and product-development autonomy.

Notable brands include ORCA Coolers, GCI Outdoor, Kamp-Rite, Plano, Frabill, CBI Offroad Fab, Prinsu Roof Racks, and DV8 Offroad. The portfolio is organized around camping, fishing, and overlanding verticals. Plano Synergy, acquired in 2021, is the anchor of the fishing division.

John Lacy is the CEO and architect of the roll-up. He previously led a similar consolidation strategy for Igloo coolers and related brands. In late 2023, Chris Russell joined as president of the camping and outdoor-living division; Russell had held senior roles at Yeti and Igloo.

The company operates a hybrid distribution model. Flagship products like ORCA coolers and GCI chairs are sold through mass retailers such as REI and Dick's Sporting Goods, through independent outdoor specialty dealers, and through brand-owned direct-to-consumer websites. The firm claims distribution through more than 15,000 domestic and international doors.

Yes, Gathr Outdoors is backed by Centre Partners, a New York- and Los Angeles-based middle-market private equity firm. Centre Partners has historically invested in consumer products and retail platforms, providing the acquisition capital that enables Gathr's brand roll-up.

It was founded in 2019 by John Lacy. The firm was built expressly as a consolidation vehicle for outdoor brands, starting with smaller acquisitions and expanding significantly with the addition of Plano Synergy in 2021 and several overlanding brands in 2022.