Canadian Tire has struck a deal to buy the rights to Hudson’s Bay’s most iconic brand assets for $30 million, including the well-known HBC Stripes and coat of arms.
The company will take over various trademarks, designs, and names associated with Hudson’s Bay, The Bay, and related brands. The deal, still subject to court approval, is expected to close later this summer.
Canadian Tire President and CEO Greg Hicks posted on LinkedIn that some things are “meant to stay Canadian” and called the move both “strategic and patriotic.” He said the Hudson’s Bay brand fits well with Canadian Tire’s “True North” strategy and its portfolio of homegrown brands.
“It’s disheartening to witness the final days of another great Canadian retailer,” Hicks wrote, referring to HBC’s struggles, adding “we’re proud to step in for customers.” He also shared an image which appears to be AI-generated (look at the far right leg of the chair).
While the agreement focuses on intellectual property, Canadian Tire has also placed bids on a handful of Hudson’s Bay store leases. Hudson’s Bay is owned by NRDC Equity Partners, a U.S.-based private equity firm.
The deal means Canadian Tire will now control a piece of Canadian retail history, keeping the familiar HBC look and feel alive—just in a different store.
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