Thule Group
A Swedish outdoor and transportation-equipment group best known for roof racks, cargo carriers, bicycle carriers, rooftop tents, luggage, child-mobility products, and related accessories.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Thule Group is a Swedish branded consumer-products company focused on helping people transport, carry, protect, and use equipment during travel and outdoor activities. Founded in 1942 in Hillerstorp in southern Sweden, the company developed from a local manufacturer into an international group whose best-known brand is Thule. Its core products include automobile roof racks, roof boxes, bicycle carriers, cargo carriers, rooftop tents, luggage, backpacks, camera and computer bags, child bike seats, bicycle trailers, and strollers. The company’s original growth was closely connected to the expansion of recreational motoring and outdoor leisure. During the 1960s, Thule concentrated on roof racks and other vehicle accessories, enabling motorists to carry skis, bicycles, luggage, and other equipment outside the passenger compartment. This specialization established the functional territory that still defines the group: products positioned around mobility, organization, safety, durability, and ease of use rather than around fashion alone. Thule Group expanded substantially through ownership changes and acquisitions. Eldon, a company listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, acquired Thule in 1979. EQT later acquired and delisted Eldon in 1999, and sold Thule to UK-based private-equity firm Candover in 2004. Under Candover, the business broadened its range through acquisitions and new product categories, including snow chains, recreational-vehicle products, towbars, car trailers, work gear, and bags for electronic devices. Some of these categories were later sold or discontinued as the group refined its portfolio. Nordic Capital acquired Thule in 2007. The company was restructured during the financial pressures of 2008, with a lending-bank consortium receiving an equity interest. Nordic Capital subsequently acquired the remaining ownership interest in 2010. Thule Group returned to the public market through an initial public offering on Nasdaq Stockholm in November 2014. The group’s portfolio has included Case Logic, SportRack, Chariot, Yepp, Tepui, and other acquired businesses. Several brands were integrated into the broader Thule identity: Chariot products were rebranded Thule in 2013, while Omnistor recreational-vehicle products were rebranded Thule in 2009. Tepui expanded the group’s rooftop-tent offering, and Yepp added child bicycle seats. In November 2024, Thule Group acquired Australian mobile-phone-mounting company Quad Lock, extending its transportation and outdoor-accessory portfolio into device attachment and motorcycle, bicycle, automotive, and other mobile-use applications. Thule products are sold through a broad international distribution network, including thousands of retail points and specialist outdoor, automotive, bicycle, travel, and online channels. The company also operates branded retail locations, including stores in Malmö and Stockholm. Its market positioning emphasizes premium design, engineering, product integration, and dependable use in active lifestyles. Alongside commercial activities, Thule Group has supported Sweden’s National Association for Disabled Children and Adolescents since 2010 and has maintained an annual tradition of donating backpacks and school supplies to Casa de la Esperanza, a US housing program serving migrant farm workers and their families.
History
Thule was established in 1942 in Hillerstorp, southern Sweden, by Erik Thulin. The company’s early development was rooted in practical equipment for transport and outdoor use. Its most important early growth phase came during the 1960s, when it specialized in roof racks and related automobile accessories. These products allowed car owners to carry bicycles, skis, luggage, and other recreational equipment, creating a close association between the Thule name and active travel. In 1979, Eldon, a Stockholm-listed company, acquired Thule. Eldon’s ownership provided a larger corporate platform for continued development. In 1999, private-equity firm EQT acquired and delisted Eldon. EQT later sold Thule in 2004 to Candover, a UK-based private-equity firm. Candover pursued an acquisition-led expansion strategy, broadening the company beyond roof racks and cargo carriers. During this period, the portfolio gained snow chains through König, recreational-vehicle products through Omnistor, additional vehicle-accessory businesses, work-gear products through UWS, and bags for electronic devices through Case Logic. Nordic Capital acquired Thule in May 2007. The financial crisis placed pressure on the business, and a restructuring in December 2008 resulted in the lending-bank consortium receiving an equity stake. Nordic Capital later acquired the remainder of the company in December 2010. During the private-equity period, Thule continued to develop its outdoor, travel, vehicle, and child-mobility categories while managing the portfolio through acquisitions, divestments, and brand integration. The company’s portfolio expanded further through the acquisition of Chariot Carriers in 2011 and GMG B.V., the Dutch company associated with Yepp child bicycle seats, in 2016. Chariot products were subsequently rebranded under Thule in 2013. The group also introduced sport and travel bags in 2013, strengthening the connection between its transport-equipment roots and personal travel goods. The Omnistor recreational-vehicle range had earlier been brought under the Thule name in 2009. Thule Group also streamlined its portfolio. Its towbar and trailer businesses were divested in 2014, the König snow-chain business was divested in 2015, and UWS was divested in 2017. In December 2018, the group acquired Tepui Outdoors, a North American rooftop-tent company, adding a category that extended Thule’s vehicle-based outdoor proposition into camping and overland travel. In November 2014, Thule Group became publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm through an initial public offering. The listing marked the return of the company to the public markets after the EQT, Candover, and Nordic Capital ownership periods. The group has continued to sell through a broad international network of retailers and distributors and has established branded stores, including locations in Malmö and Stockholm. In November 2024, Thule Group acquired Quad Lock, an Australian company specializing in mobile-phone mounting and attachment systems. The transaction broadened the group’s exposure to device-mounting applications across cycling, motorcycling, automotive use, and other mobile environments. Thule Group’s current identity therefore combines its historic roof-rack and cargo-carrier business with a wider portfolio of outdoor, travel, child-mobility, luggage, recreational-vehicle, rooftop-tent, and mobile-device accessories. The company has also maintained social-impact initiatives. Since 2010, it has been the main sponsor of RBU, Sweden’s National Association for Disabled Children and Adolescents. In the United States, it has an annual tradition of donating backpacks and school supplies to children connected with Casa de la Esperanza, a housing program for migrant farm workers and their families.
- 2024
Quad Lock acquired
[1]Thule Group acquired Australian mobile-phone attachment company Quad Lock.
- 2018
Tepui Outdoors acquired
[1]Thule acquired North American rooftop-tent company Tepui Outdoors, expanding its camping and vehicle-based outdoor range.
- 2016
GMG and Yepp acquired
[1]Thule acquired Dutch company GMG B.V., associated with Yepp child bicycle seats.
- 2014
Thule Group listed on Nasdaq Stockholm
[1]The company completed its initial public offering and returned to the public market.
- 2013
Chariot products rebranded as Thule
[1]The Chariot product range was brought under the Thule brand, while the group also introduced sport and travel bags.
- 2011
Chariot Carriers acquired
[1]Thule acquired Canadian child-trailer company Chariot Carriers.
- 2010
Nordic Capital acquired the remaining equity
[1]Nordic Capital acquired the remainder of the company after the restructuring period.
- 2008
Financial restructuring
[1]Thule was restructured during the global financial crisis, with its lending-bank consortium receiving an equity interest.
- 2007
Nordic Capital acquired Thule
[1]Nordic Capital became Thule’s owner, beginning another private-equity ownership period.
- 2005
Omnistor and Sportworks businesses added
[1]Thule acquired Omnistor’s recreational-vehicle product business and the Sportworks car-rack product line.
Products and positioning
Premium outdoor and transportation accessories centered on safety, durability, functional design, vehicle integration, and active travel.
Automotive transport accessories · 1962
Thule roof racks and cargo carriers
Roof racks, load bars, mounting systems, and related carriers form the historic core of the Thule business. They are designed to expand the carrying capacity of passenger vehicles while supporting equipment such as bicycles, skis, luggage, and recreational gear. The category reflects the brand’s long-standing emphasis on secure attachment, practical installation, vehicle compatibility, and outdoor mobility.
Automotive cargo storage
Thule roof boxes
Thule roof boxes provide enclosed storage mounted above a vehicle. They are used for luggage, sports equipment, and other bulky items that may not fit inside the passenger compartment. The range extends the company’s original roof-rack proposition into weather-protected cargo capacity and is one of the group’s most recognizable product families.
Cycling transport accessories
Thule bicycle carriers
Bicycle carriers allow users to transport bicycles on vehicle roofs, towbar systems, or rear-mounted platforms. They serve recreational cyclists and active travelers and are designed around vehicle attachment, bike stability, loading convenience, and compatibility with different bicycle formats.
Camping equipment · 2018
Thule rooftop tents
The rooftop-tent range originated in the group’s acquisition of Tepui Outdoors. These tents mount to vehicle roof systems and support camping and overland travel. They connect Thule’s established vehicle-transport expertise with portable shelter and outdoor accommodation.
Travel and personal carrying products · 2007
Thule luggage, backpacks, and bags
Thule’s personal-carrying products include travel bags, luggage, backpacks, and protective bags for computers, cameras, tablets, and other devices. The category grew partly through the Case Logic acquisition and through later development of Thule-branded sport and travel bags.
Child and family mobility · 2011
Thule child-mobility products
This category includes bicycle trailers, strollers, and child bicycle seats. It was strengthened through the acquisitions of Chariot Carriers and GMG B.V., whose Yepp products added child bike seating. Chariot products were subsequently integrated under the Thule brand.
Mobile-device attachment accessories · 2024
Quad Lock mounting systems
Quad Lock products are mobile-phone attachment and mounting systems used in settings such as cycling, motorcycling, automotive travel, and other mobile activities. The business became part of Thule Group through the 2024 acquisition of Australian company Quad Lock.
Device bags and cases · 2007
Case Logic products
Case Logic contributed bags and protective carrying products for electronic devices. It became part of Thule’s portfolio in 2007, and the premium Case Logic line was later rebranded under Thule in 2010.
Brand decisions
2024
Quad Lock acquiredM&ABackground
Mobile-device mounting is adjacent to Thule’s established focus on cycling, motorcycling, automotive travel, and active mobility.
Action taken
Thule Group acquired Australian mobile-phone attachment company Quad Lock.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened the group’s portfolio into mobile-device mounting and attachment systems.
2018
Tepui Outdoors acquiredM&ABackground
Rooftop tents offered a natural extension of Thule’s vehicle-based outdoor positioning.
Action taken
Thule acquired Tepui Outdoors, a North American rooftop-tent company.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded Thule’s presence in camping and overland travel.
2017
UWS divestedStrategyBackground
UWS had added work-gear products to Thule’s portfolio.
Action taken
The group divested UWS.
Aftermath
The portfolio became more focused on consumer outdoor, travel, vehicle, and mobility products.
2015
König snow-chain business divestedStrategyBackground
König had entered the portfolio during Thule’s earlier expansion into automotive accessories.
Action taken
Thule divested the snow-chain business.
Aftermath
The group continued concentrating on its principal outdoor and transportation-accessory categories.
2014
Towbar and trailer businesses divestedM&ABackground
Thule had expanded into towbars and trailers during its acquisition-led growth phase.
Action taken
The group divested its towbar and trailer businesses.
Aftermath
The divestment narrowed the portfolio toward outdoor, transportation, travel, and related consumer products.
2013
Chariot products rebranded under ThuleStrategyBackground
Thule acquired Chariot Carriers in 2011 to expand its child-mobility and cycling-related portfolio.
Action taken
Chariot products were rebranded as Thule products.
Aftermath
The rebrand integrated child trailers and related products into the main Thule portfolio.
2009
Omnistor products rebranded under ThuleStrategyBackground
The group had expanded into recreational-vehicle products through its acquisition of Omnistor.
Action taken
The Omnistor product range was brought under the Thule brand.
Aftermath
The move strengthened the use of Thule as the group’s principal consumer-facing identity.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Thule Group appointed Jonas Lindqvist as CFO[4]
Reported:
Thule Group named Jonas Lindqvist as its chief financial officer; he was to assume the position by May 2020.
Sources4 sources
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