Who Owns ARB?
ARB is an Australian 4WD accessories brand owned by ARB Corporation Limited (ASX: ARB), a public company headquartered in Kilsyth, Victoria. Founded in 1975 by Tony Brown, the brand makes bull bars, Old Man Emu suspension, Air Locker differentials, and touring equipment sold in more than 100 countries.
Parent Company
Founded
1975
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Who Owns ARB?
- Parent Company: ARB Corporation Limited
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: ASX: ARB
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| ARB | ARB Corporation Limited | Wholly owned |
Where to Buy
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History of ARB
- Founded: 1975
- Founders: Tony Brown
Tony Brown founded ARB in Melbourne in 1975 after a Cape York expedition convinced him that available 4WD equipment could not withstand Australian outback conditions. His first products were roof racks and accessories built to outback durability standards.
The brand's defining products arrived through the 1980s: the steel bull bar with integrated winch mounting, and the Air Locker, an air-operated differential lock that became the global standard. The 1988 acquisition of Old Man Emu added the suspension line that remains central to the range.
The 1987 ASX listing funded manufacturing and international growth. ARB built its reputation in the world's harshest testing ground, then exported it: the "designed for Australian conditions" story became the brand's global selling proposition.
Through the 2010s and 2020s the brand expanded into canopies, fridges, camping equipment, and a dedicated US operation with Pacific Northwest distribution. ARB celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 and posted record results in fiscal 2026.
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About ARB Corporation Limited
What does ARB Corporation own?
ARB owns the ARB, Old Man Emu, and Air Locker brands plus manufacturing plants in Australia and Thailand and a global distribution network.
Is ARB Corporation publicly traded?
Yes. ARB Corporation has traded on the Australian Securities Exchange under ARB since 1987.
Who founded ARB Corporation?
Tony Brown founded the company in Melbourne in 1975; the name ARB derives from his initials.
Where is ARB Corporation headquartered?
Kilsyth, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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How many brands does ARB Corporation own?
Its principal brands are ARB, Old Man Emu, and Air Locker, plus product-line marques like ARB Elements.
Who owns ARB Corporation?
ASX public shareholders, with the founding Brown family holding a substantial stake and occupying the chairman and CEO positions.
- Founded: 1975
- Headquarters: Kilsyth, Victoria, Australia
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: ASX: ARB
- Revenue: A$702.0 million (FY2026)
- Employees: approximately 2,000
Where Is ARB Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Kilsyth, Victoria, Australia
ARB Categories & Tags
ARB Recalls & Controversies
ARB has had periodic product recalls through Australian and international regulators for items such as tow points and specific accessory components, resolved through standard remedy programs. No brand-level scandal is on record.
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ARB Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Public-company resources behind engineering and global expansion
- +Brown family continuity across five decades
- +Vertically integrated manufacturing and retail
- +Premium brand equity built on outback credibility
Considerations
- -Premium pricing versus budget imports
- -Vehicle-cycle dependence for protection product demand
- -Australian market still dominates revenue
- -US expansion competes with entrenched local brands
Frequently Asked Questions About ARB
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Sources & Further Reading
Competitors to ARB
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarus Corporation | Australia | 1992 | Premium | Asia pacific | All Genders | |
| Cbi Offroad | United States | 2014 | Premium | North america | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
AutomotiveRhino-Rack
Owned by Clarus Corporation
Australian roof-rack brand founded in 1992, part of Clarus Corporation's Adventure segment since 2021.
roof-rackscargo-carriers4wd-accessories
AutomotivePrinsu Design
Owned by CBI Offroad Fabrication
Modular aluminum roof-rack brand founded in Utah in 2014, owned by CBI Offroad Fabrication since 2018.
roof-racksoverlanding4wd-accessories
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: ARB competes with 2 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
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Independent Alternatives to ARB
Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by ARB Corporation Limited, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.
AutomotivePrinsu Design
Owned by CBI Offroad Fabrication
Modular aluminum roof-rack brand founded in Utah in 2014, owned by CBI Offroad Fabrication since 2018.
roof-racksoverlanding4wd-accessories
Privately Owned
Prinsu Design is privately owned, unlike ARB which is under a publicly traded parent company.
AutomotiveYakima
Owned by Kemflo International Co., Ltd.
American roof-rack and vehicle cargo pioneer founded in 1979, owned by Taiwanese manufacturer Kemflo International since 2009.
roof-rackscargo-carriersbike-racks
Privately Owned
Yakima is privately owned, unlike ARB which is under a publicly traded parent company.
AutomotiveGenesis
Owned by Hyundai Motor Group
South Korean luxury vehicle brand specializing in premium automobiles, owned by Hyundai Motor Group.
luxuryautomotivepremium-vehicles
Privately Owned
Genesis is privately owned, unlike ARB which is under a publicly traded parent company.
AutomotiveLand Rover
Owned by Tata Group
British premium SUV and off-road vehicle brand founded in 1948, owned by Tata Motors of India since 2008 through its Jaguar Land Rover subsidiary.
suvluxuryoff-road
Privately Owned
Land Rover is privately owned, unlike ARB which is under a publicly traded parent company.
AutomotiveGoodyear
Owned by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Flagship premium tire brand of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, sold worldwide across consumer, commercial truck, aviation, and racing applications since 1898.
tiresautomotivepremium-tires
Publicly Traded
Goodyear operates independently without a large parent corporation.
AutomotiveJaguar
Owned by Tata Group
British luxury automotive brand founded in 1922, owned by Tata Motors of India since 2008 through Jaguar Land Rover Limited, currently undergoing a complete rebrand and transition to an all-electric lineup.
luxuryperformancebritish-brand
Privately Owned
Jaguar is privately owned, unlike ARB which is under a publicly traded parent company.
ARB Corporation Limited Stock Information
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