Roots
Roots Corporation (TSX: ROOT) · Canada
Roots is a Canadian lifestyle apparel and leather goods brand founded in Toronto in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green. It is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and Wikipedia reports a take-private deal with Marquee Brands agreed in August 2026.
| Founded | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Michael Budman and Don Green |
| Owner | Roots Corporation (TSX: ROOT); Marquee Brands deal agreed August 2026 |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Canada |
| Segment | Denim and casualwear |
| Website | roots.com |
What is Roots?
Roots is a Canadian brand selling apparel, leather bags and small leather goods, footwear, athletic and yoga wear, accessories and home furnishings. It was founded in 1973 in Toronto, Ontario, by Michael Budman and Don Green and is headquartered in Toronto.
Ownership history
- 2015: the co-founders sold a majority stake to Searchlight Capital Partners.
- 2017: the company filed for an initial public offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange, where it trades under the symbol ROOT.
- March 2026: Roots announced a strategic review, including a possible sale.
- August 2026: it agreed to be acquired by Marquee Brands in a take-private deal at 4.10 Canadian dollars per share, according to Wikipedia. Completion should be checked against company announcements.
Business model and distribution
Wikipedia lists 114 stores in Canada, 7 in the United States and more than 150 partner-operated locations in Asia. Roots closed several US stores in 2020 and now serves US customers mainly online.
Products and positioning
The brand is positioned as a mid-market Canadian lifestyle label. Casual apparel and leather goods form the core, with athletic wear and home furnishings extending the range.
Why it matters
Roots is one of the most recognisable Canadian fashion brands. Its recent history, from founder ownership through private equity, a public listing and a pending take-private by a brand management company, mirrors wider consolidation in mid-market apparel, where brand owners increasingly separate brand ownership from operations.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Roots?
Roots is a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with Searchlight Capital Partners holding a majority stake according to Wikipedia. In August 2026 it agreed to be acquired by Marquee Brands, which should be checked for completion.
Where is Roots from?
Roots is from Canada. It was founded in Toronto in 1973 and is headquartered there.