Pelican seeks protection under Canadian bankruptcy law as it restructures

[Glenn MacGrady]

On February 28, 2025, Pelican International Inc. filed a Notice of Intention to Make Proposal (NOI) under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) in Canada, citing challenges in the post-COVID economy including U.S. tariffs, significant shifts in market demand, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs.

This comes after Pelican, which was founded in 1968, has aggressively expanded in recent years. In 2019 Pelican acquired Confluence Outdoors Inc; in 2021 Pelican acquired Advanced Elements Inc.; and in 2022 Pelican acquired GSI LCC. As a result, Pelican now owns Wilderness Systems, Dagger, Perception, Advanced Elements, Boardworks, Mad River Canoe, and GSI Outdoors.

HERE is an explanatory statement put out by Pelican.

The first canoe I ever bought was a Pelican. It has been the only canoe or kayak of 22 I've owned that I've ever returned as being unfit for use.

 

[Punkinhead]

I don't have an opinion of Pelican itself, but Wilderness Systems and Dagger are good brands. I know kayaks are verboten here but I own two Wilderness Systems rec kayaks and a Dagger whitewater kayak and they are tops in their niche. I hate to see any outdoor supplier struggle.

 

[Alan Gage]

I was really interested to read what exactly was going on until I realized you were talking about the boat company and not the bird.

Alan

 

[lowangle al]

I'd like to see a photo of your Pelican if you have one Glenn.