The acquisition is subject to various conditions, including regulatory approval in China, and is expected to be completed on or about January 1, 2019. Jason Zhu will continue as general manager of Columbia Sportswear Commercial (Shanghai) Company.

The joint venture began operations on January 1, 2014 with headquarters in Shanghai. Columbia Sportswear Company currently owns 60 per cent of the operation; Swire owns 40 percent, with profits and losses shared in similar proportions. The joint venture had an initial term of 20 years but included a provision for the purchase or sale of the minority interest any time after the fifth year. Reflecting Columbia's 60 per cent ownership stake, the joint venture has been fully consolidated in Columbia Sportswear's operating results and financial position beginning with the first quarter of 2014.

Swire Resources will continue to serve as the exclusive independent distributor of Columbia Sportswear in Hong Kong and Macau. Swire Resources Limited had previously operated as Columbia Sportswear's exclusive independent distributor of Columbia branded products in China from 2004 until the beginning of the joint venture.

"We thank Swire Resources for contributing to the success and growth of the Columbia brand in China. They have been an exceptional partner for us over the years and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship in Hong Kong and Macau going forward. We are very pleased with the performance of our joint venture since 2014. We have positioned the Columbia brand for long-term sustained growth in the crucial Chinese market. The acquisition is consistent with our strategy to accelerate investment as a brand-led, consumer-first business in the areas of highest growth potential for our existing brands," Tim Boyle, Columbia's president and chief executive officer, said.

"The strategic partnership between Columbia Sportswear and Swire Resources in greater China has been a proven success over many years. As the mainland China business embarks on its next phase of growth, we wish Columbia every success. We look forward to continuing to develop our Hong Kong and Macau business together and building our partnership over the years ahead," Richard Sell, director, trading and industrial division of Swire Pacific Limited, said,

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India