On May 12, 2025, Pelican Intl Inc., a newly formed entity, acquired the assets of Pelican International Inc. and Confluence Outdoor Inc. (excluding GSI Outdoors) through a court-supervised Sale and Investment Solicitation Process (SISP) under Canada’s Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and Chapter 15 in the United States. The acquisition was led by former Pelican executives Danick Lavoie, Frederic Guay, and Guy Prenevost, alongside private investors Vincent Chiara (President of Groupe MACH Inc.), Marc Varadi (RIMAP Hospitality), Luc Sabbatini (Ganesh Capital), and Charles Malo. This new ownership structure positions Pelican Intl for long-term growth in the paddlesport sector.

Key legal advisors played a critical role in the transaction. Cain Lamarre LLP acted as legal counsel for the acquisition team, while Woods LLP represented matters related to the CCAA proceedings. Fasken advised the debtors, and McCarthy Tétrault LLP provided counsel to the secured lenders, including National Bank of Canada, BMO, TD, and Desjardins. The court-appointed monitor, FTI Consulting Canada Inc., was advised by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Canada and Troutman Pepper LLP in the U.S.

The new entity will unify operations under Pelican Intl USA Inc. and enhance direct-to-consumer and retailer channels through www.confluenceoutdoor.com. The company, with over 400 employees and manufacturing sites in Québec and South Carolina, aims to lead innovation in the global paddlesport market. No transaction value was disclosed.