Who Owns Quiksilver?

Quiksilver's sustainability practices have evolved under different ownership. Under Boardriders, the company implemented environmental initiatives including recycled polyester in boardshorts and organic cotton in apparel. The brand also supported ocean conservation through partnerships with environmental organizations.

Under ABG's ownership, sustainability practices are determined by licensing partners rather than centralized corporate policies. ABG does not publish brand-specific sustainability reports for Quiksilver. The company's environmental claims, including the use of recycled materials, are based on licensee reporting and have not been independently verified through third-party certifications for most product lines.

Quiksilver has historically supported surf-related environmental causes, including beach cleanups and marine conservation programs. The brand has partnered with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation, though the current status of these partnerships under ABG ownership is unclear.

The brand's manufacturing in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia raises supply chain transparency questions common to apparel brands producing in these regions. ABG states that its licensees are required to comply with international labor standards, but the company has not published detailed supply chain audit results for Quiksilver products.

Quiksilver is one of the oldest and most recognized brands in surf culture, with a history dating back to 1969. The brand's original boardshort design, featuring the scalloped leg opening, is considered an iconic product in surf apparel history.

Quiksilver has been featured in SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) Image Awards over the years, recognizing the brand's contributions to surf culture and product innovation. The brand has won awards for wetsuit innovation and boardshort design.

The brand's sponsorship of professional surfers has contributed to its recognition in the surf community. Quiksilver has sponsored world champion surfers including Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning, and the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast was a longstanding event on the World Surf League Championship Tour.

Quiksilver filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2015, citing declining sales, excessive retail expansion, and the financial strain from the Rossignol acquisition. The bankruptcy resulted in the closure of approximately 170 retail stores and the loss of jobs across the company's global operations. Oaktree Capital Management took control of the company by converting debt to equity, diluting existing shareholders.

The 2005 acquisition of Skis Rossignol for $320 million and its subsequent sale in 2008 for approximately $147 million resulted in a loss of approximately $173 million. The acquisition was widely criticized as a misjudged diversification that distracted from Quiksilver's core surf business.

In January 2025, Liberated Brands, ABG's primary retail partner for Quiksilver in North America, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing threatened approximately 200 Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom retail stores with closure. ABG announced it was seeking new partners to take over store operations, but the bankruptcy created uncertainty for employees and customers.

Quiksilver has not experienced major product safety recalls. The brand's products, primarily apparel and accessories, are not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as food or electronics products. However, the brand has faced criticism over manufacturing practices in Asian factories, a common concern for apparel brands producing in the region.