Producer of outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment business Columbia Sportswear, has bought out its partner in a joint venture in China. The Portland-based outdoor apparel company had launched the joint venture with Swire Resources, a subsidiary of Swire Pacific in January 2014. Columbia, earlier owned 60 per cent of the entity and Swire, the other 40 per cent. But recently the brand acquired the entire entity. Swire will also remain the exclusive distributor of Columbia Sportswear in Hong Kong and Macau.

China is a key marketplace for Columbia and other outdoor apparel companies due to its fast-growing economy. Columbia Sportswear Company also owns the Mountain Hardwear, Sorel and prAna brands. The brand’s sales increased 6 per cent to $795.8 million in the third quarter.

Columbia Brands, was founded in 1938 in Portland, 90 with a customer base spread in 90 countries. The company has built up a portfolio of brands of active lives, making it a leader in the active wear market as well as footwear, accessories and equipment industry.