Urban Armor Gear Announces Acquisition of Nomad Goods

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Urban Armor Gear (UAG), a designer of rugged, lightweight mobile device cases, power, and accessories, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Nomad Goods, LLC (“Nomad”), a Santa Barbara, California–based designer and manufacturer of premium smartphone and smartwatch accessories.

The transaction expands UAG’s presence in the premium mobile accessories market and enhances its direct-to-consumer capabilities. The combination brings together Nomad’s product development and brand positioning with UAG’s operational infrastructure and global distribution platform.

Brian Hahn, COO at Nomad, said “From our earliest conversations with UAG, it was clear we shared the same DNA: a belief that product quality comes first, and that great gear should be built to last. What excites me most about this merger is that UAG brings a level of operational and administrative sophistication that will amplify what our team does best—design and build exceptional products. Together, we're set up to deliver our best stuff yet."

Noah Dentzel, CEO at Nomad, added, “We built Nomad for the modern nomad. The tools we use every day shape how we work, travel, and live, and that has only made our mission more relevant over time. UAG stood out because they understand both what drives the brand and the opportunity ahead. This merger builds on what we’ve created and gives Nomad an even stronger platform for what comes next.”

“For years we’ve admired the Nomad brand and their commitment to product quality and extremely strong DTC presence. Over the past few years, it became very clear to us that combining the strengths of Nomad with the global operational capabilities of Urban Armor Gear will potentially allow Nomad to reach its full potential and be a natural fit. The team is extremely excited for this merger,” said Scott W. Hardy, CEO at UAG.

The acquisition was completed in partnership with HKW, UAG’s financial sponsor, and is consistent with a strategy to scale the platform through targeted acquisitions and operational integration. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Urban Armor Gear:

Founded over a decade ago on a simple premise; to make a superior product that would allow us to take our tech further. Today we continue to create quality rugged protective gear for your essential tech devices; developed from an obsessive dedication to quality, a commitment to inspired design and fueled by an authentic community. Designed, engineered and proven in Southern California, we are Built to Go Further, we are UAG.

About Nomad:

Nomad is a Santa Barbara, California, company founded in 2012. Its mission is to create functional, minimalist tools for life on the move. What began as a single product, an ultra-portable charging cable, has grown into a global brand known for mobile accessories and everyday carry essentials. Today, Nomad uses durable materials, clean design and practical innovation to build products tested in real-world conditions and designed to keep people connected wherever they go.

About HKW:

HKW is a middle-market private equity firm investing in companies with talented management teams in the US and Canada. HKW targets companies in the manufacturing, distribution and business services sectors. Since 1982, HKW has sponsored 74 platform transactions of lower middle-market companies throughout North America and 82 add-on acquisitions. For more information on HKW, please visit hkwinc.com.