What’s Next for Rip Curl? The Brand Enters Talks Over a Potential Change of Ownership

Bluestar Alliance is negotiating the acquisition of KMD Brands, the group that owns Rip Curl, in a deal that could reshape the future of the iconic surf brand.

KMD Brands, the New Zealand-based group that owns Rip Curl, confirmed that it is holding exclusive discussions with Bluestar Alliance, a US company interested in acquiring all of its shares.

The announcement, made on November 2, 2026, establishes an agreement allowing Bluestar Alliance to continue its financial and business due diligence on KMD Brands as part of a potential acquisition.

However, the company clarified that there is still no binding offer and no guarantee that the transaction will go ahead. The discussions are scheduled to conclude by December 23, with the possibility of an extension under certain conditions.

Who Is the Potential New Owner?

Bluestar Alliance is a New York-based brand management and investment group that has built an international portfolio across the fashion, sports and lifestyle sectors. Its portfolio includes Hurley, a direct competitor of Rip Curl in the surf market, as well as Dickies, Off-White and Scotch & Soda.

A potential acquisition would bring two brands with a significant history in surf culture under the same corporate structure: Rip Curl and Hurley. Both have an international presence, technical product lines and a long-standing connection to the development of the surf industry and its communities.

A Process Shaped by Financial Challenges

The negotiations are also taking place during a challenging period for KMD Brands. In September, the group reported losses of more than NZ$400 million for its latest financial year, prompting the company to review its operations and consider different strategic alternatives.

This is not the first proposal the group has received this year. In March, KMD rejected an offer from Stokehouse Unlimited, a US company linked to businessman and former Billabong executive Paul Naude. The proposal involved separating Rip Curl from the group and merging it with Stokehouse Unlimited.

For now, Rip Curl’s future remains uncertain. If the deal with Bluestar Alliance goes ahead, the brand would become part of a group with experience in acquiring and managing international labels. The outcome could have implications for its commercial strategy, market positioning and development within a surf industry increasingly connected to global markets.