Chinese firm ATG buys rucksack maker Lowe Alpine from Britain's Equip but takes ONLY the brand

No stock, staff or premises will pass to the Hangzhou-based new owner, ATG Brands & Data Limited, which bought the trademark, logo and brand assets for an undisclosed sum. Equip, which also owns Rab, bought Lowe Alpine in 2011 with a £20 million package backed by Santander. ATG promises 'renewed investment' and a relaunch across the UK and Europe.

Brothers Mike, Greg and Jeff Lowe founded Lowe Alpine in Utah in 1967.

Ex-VF Corporation executive John B Gearing will lead the relaunch as operating partner.

ATG already runs Gant, Speedo and Jockey in the Chinese market.