Canterbury of New Zealand explained

Canterbury of New Zealand
Type:	Subsidiary
Industry:	Textile, sports equipment
Founder:	J. Lane, P. Walker, A. Rudkin
Area Served:	Worldwide
Products:	Rugby equipment, clothing
Revenue:	£44.8 million (2015)^[1]
Operating Income:	£20.5 million (2015)
Net Income:	£220,000 (2015)
Assets:	£107,000 (2015)
Equity:	-£7.2 million (2015)
Location:	Auckland, New Zealand
Parent:	Pentland Group (2012–present)

Canterbury of New Zealand (commonly referred to simply as Canterbury) is a New Zealand sports equipment manufacturing company focused on rugby. The company originated from the Canterbury region in New Zealand.

Canterbury of New Zealand was established in 1904, producing garments in Canterbury, New Zealand. The company made military uniforms during the First World War, before producing kit for the All Blacks.^[2] The brand's tagline is "Committed To The Game". Its logo is the silhouettes of three kiwi birds creating the letters CCC; the initials of the Canterbury Clothing Company and representing the three people who founded the company.^[3]

The head office is in Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand; the global headquarters are located in Stockport, UK; and satellite offices in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia.^[4]

Rugby products manufactured by Canterbury include jersey uniforms, protection (head protectors and mouthguards), boots, and balls. The company also produces casual wear clothing (shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts, pants, jackets, hoodies, socks), and accessories (bags, backpacks, hats, scarves)

History

Canterbury of New Zealand was established in 1904 by three English immigrants, John Lane, Pringle Walker and Alfred Rudkin. The company began producing garments in Canterbury, New Zealand. Canterbury then began making uniforms for the New Zealand and Australian armies during the First World War. Later, the brand was approached to make rugby attire for the All Blacks.^[2]

In 2006, Canterbury sold its South African operations to investment group House of Monatic, which set up Canterbury South Africa to run these operations under licence.^[5]

The European arm, Canterbury Europe Ltd, based in Stockport, was purchased by JD Sports in 2009,^[6] then sold on in 2012 to sports and fashion retail group Pentland Group for £22.7m.^[7]