Avalanche
Clarus Corporation, the parent company of Black Diamond, has reached an agreement to sell its Pieps avalanche beacon brand and the JetForce avalanche pack intellectual property to a private investment firm for €7.8 million ($8.75 million). The deal, which includes both cash and debt, is expected to close before the end of the third quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including those related to foreign direct investment requirements.
The sale follows a strategic review process Clarus launched in the fall of 2024 and comes amid mounting challenges for the Pieps brand. In recent years, Pieps has faced a series of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls tied to its avalanche transceivers, most notably the Pieps DSP model. The DSP controversy centered on a design flaw in the device’s switch mechanism, which could inadvertently move from transmit to search mode, potentially rendering the beacon undetectable in an avalanche scenario. Reports of fatal accidents and widespread user concern led to increased scrutiny and calls for a recall, putting significant pressure on both Pieps and its parent company to address safety and reputational issues.
Clarus acknowledged the difficulties in a statement released with its first quarter results, emphasizing that the divestiture aligns with its strategy to simplify operations and rationalize product categories. “The agreement governing the sale has been executed by the parties and will become binding upon receipt by the notary in Austria of the original of the signed power of attorney of the purchaser, a copy of which has already been provided to the notary,” the company said. The move is part of a broader effort by Clarus to streamline its business following a 13% decline in first-quarter sales and a net loss of $5.2 million.
Pieps, based in Austria, has been a leader in avalanche safety technology for over 45 years; however, its recent history has been marred by product recalls and controversy. Clarus will use the sale to refocus on its core brands and navigate ongoing market and regulatory challenges.
