US lifestyle apparel group VF Corporation announced its acquisition of New Zealand-based outdoor and sportswear brand Icebreaker which specialises in products made from Merino wool. Icebreaker is now a wholly owned subsidiary of VF Corp. VF Corporation described the newly acquired brand as an “ideal complement” to its existing SmartWool label, which also offers apparel and accessories manufactured using Merino wool.

VF Corp Chairman, President and CEO Steve Rendle says together, the SmartWool and Icebreaker brands create an advantaged position for VF as a leader in the growing and underpenetrated natural fibre category. Icebreaker was founded by Jeremy Moon in 1995 as a company specialised in manufacturing thermal underwear made from 100 per cent Merino wool. It further expanded to Australia, Europe and the US. Its extensive range of outdoor and sports products are currently sold in over 4,700 stores in 50 countries, distributed through wholesale and retail channels and the company’s e-commerce website.

The brand was a pioneer in the ethical and sustainable production of performance apparel made using natural fibres and purchases its Merino wool from sustainable farms in New Zealand.

Last month, the company announced that it had signed deals to sell Nautica to Authentic Brands Group and acquire performance footwear brand Altra from Icon Health and Fitness.