Kathmandu has bought the iconic Australian surf brand Rip Curl in a $350 million sale.

Rip Curl has been privately owned for 50 years after being founded in Victoria.

Kathmandu said the deal will let the company diversifying its outdoor focus with Rip Curl’s beach offerings.

Surf industry writer Phil Jarratt tells Ross Greenwood it was a smart deal.

“I think they’ve found, in Kathmandu, a company that can take on the brand and keep it real.”

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