Who Owns Canadian Tire?

Canadian Tire was founded in 1922 by brothers J.W. and A.J. Billes in Toronto, Ontario. The brothers purchased the Hamilton Tire and Garage in 1922 and incorporated the business as Canadian Tire Corporation in 1927, focusing on automotive parts and accessories. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial insight into the growing demand for automotive products and services while establishing a distinctive retail concept that would become a cornerstone of Canadian retail for generations.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Canadian Tire expanded its product offerings beyond auto parts to include hardware, sporting goods, and household items. The company developed its iconic catalogue and established its reputation as a one-stop shop for Canadian consumers. This period of diversification demonstrated Canadian Tire's exceptional ability to adapt to changing consumer needs while maintaining its core automotive identity and commitment to serving Canadian communities.

The company grew significantly throughout the 1950s and 1960s, expanding across Canada and introducing its gas station operations. Canadian Tire went public in 1969, providing capital for continued expansion and diversification. This strategic public offering demonstrated Canadian Tire's ability to access capital markets while maintaining its Canadian ownership and commitment to serving Canadian consumers across the country.

In recent years, Canadian Tire has expanded through acquisitions, including Mark's Work Wearhouse (later Mark's), Sport Chek, and various other retail chains. In 2025, Canadian Tire acquired the intellectual property of the Hudson's Bay Company, adding Canada's oldest retail brand to its portfolio. This strategic expansion demonstrated Canadian Tire's exceptional ability to identify and acquire complementary retail brands while building a comprehensive retail ecosystem that can serve multiple consumer segments and market needs.

The acquisition of Hudson's Bay intellectual property represents a significant milestone in Canadian retail history, bringing together two of Canada's most iconic retail brands under one corporate umbrella. This strategic move demonstrates Canadian Tire's commitment to preserving Canadian retail heritage while building a modern retail conglomerate that can compete effectively in the evolving retail landscape.