Traeger Bundle
Who Owns Traeger, Inc.?
Traeger, Inc., a leader in wood pellet grills, was founded by Joe Traeger in 1985. The company revolutionized outdoor cooking with its unique wood pellet grill system.
Understanding Traeger's ownership is key to grasping its market position and strategic decisions. The company has seen significant changes since its inception.
Who owns Traeger Company?
As of July 23, 2025, Traeger, Inc. (NYSE: COOK) has a market capitalization of approximately $278.17 million. This reflects a substantial shift since its initial public offering on July 29, 2021, when its market value was $2.12 billion. For the full fiscal year 2024, the company reported total revenues of $604.1 million, a slight decrease of 0.3% from the prior year, and incurred a net loss of $34.0 million. The evolution of its ownership structure, from its founding to its current public status, is a critical aspect of its financial narrative, impacting its trajectory in the competitive outdoor cooking market, which includes innovations like those detailed in a Traeger PESTEL Analysis.
Who Founded Traeger?
Traeger, Inc. was established in 1985 by Joe Traeger in Mt. Angel, Oregon. The company's origin stems from Joe Traeger's innovative idea for a wood pellet grill, inspired by an incident with a gas grill in 1985. He successfully patented his design in 1986, securing exclusive manufacturing rights for two decades.
| Event | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Founding of Traeger | 1985 | Founded by Joe Traeger in Mt. Angel, Oregon. |
| Patent for Wood Pellet Grill | 1986 | Joe Traeger patented his wood pellet grill design. |
| First Commercial Grill Sale | 1988 | The company sold its initial commercial grill. |
| Sale to Private Investor Group | 1996 | Joe Traeger sold the company. |
| Patent Expiration | 2006 | The patent for the original design expired. |
| Sale of Company Assets | 2006 | Traeger family sold assets for $3.4 million and IP/marketing for $9 million. |
Founding Vision
Joe Traeger, with roots in an Oregon heating company, envisioned a new grilling experience. His innovation led to the creation of the wood pellet grill.
Early Operations
Initially, Traeger operated as a family business, with Joe Traeger working alongside his wife and nine children. This close-knit structure guided the company's early growth.
Intellectual Property
The patent secured in 1986 provided Traeger Pellet Grills with exclusive manufacturing rights for twenty years. This patent expired in 2006.
Ownership Transition
In 1996, Joe Traeger sold the company to a private investor group. This marked the first significant shift in Traeger company ownership.
Post-Patent Sale
Following the patent's expiration in 2006, the Traeger family divested the company's assets. This included a sale of assets for $3.4 million and intellectual property and marketing materials for an additional $9 million.
Founding Family Role
While specific initial equity details are not public, the Traeger family was integral to the company's formative years. The founder, Joe Traeger, is the originator of the wood pellet grill concept.
The early history of Traeger is deeply intertwined with its founder, Joe Traeger, and his family. The company's journey began with a patented innovation in grilling technology, which initially provided a competitive advantage. Understanding the Target Market of Traeger helps contextualize the company's initial growth phases.
Key Milestones in Early Ownership
The initial phase of Traeger's existence was characterized by family involvement and a patented product. Subsequent sales marked significant shifts in its ownership structure.
- Founded by Joe Traeger in 1985.
- Patented wood pellet grill technology in 1986.
- Sold to a private investor group in 1996.
- Company assets and IP sold in 2006 for a combined $12.4 million.
Traeger SWOT Analysis
- Complete SWOT Breakdown
- Fully Customizable
- Editable in Excel & Word
- Professional Formatting
- Investor-Ready Format
How Has Traeger’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
The ownership of Traeger, Inc. has seen significant shifts, beginning with the Traeger family's sale of the company in 2006. A pivotal moment occurred in 2014 when Jeremy Andrus, alongside private equity firm Trilantic Capital Partners, acquired a stake, eventually leading to Andrus becoming CEO. This marked a transition from family ownership to private equity control, setting the stage for future growth and public market entry.
| Event | Year | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Traeger family sale | 2006 | Traeger family |
| Acquisition of minority stake and subsequent full acquisition | 2014 | Jeremy Andrus, Trilantic Capital Partners |
| Acquisition by AEA Investors | 2018 | AEA Investors |
| Initial Public Offering (IPO) | 2021 | Traeger, Inc. (COOK) |
Traeger, Inc. transitioned to public ownership through its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on July 29, 2021, listing on the NYSE under the ticker symbol 'COOK'. This event raised approximately $423.5 million, with shares offered at $18.00 each. The IPO valued the company at $2.2 billion on a fully diluted basis. As of March 31, 2025, the company had 135,690,256 shares of common stock outstanding, reflecting its status as a publicly traded entity.
Major Stakeholders Post-IPO
Following its IPO, Traeger's ownership structure is characterized by significant holdings from institutional investors and key insiders. This concentration of ownership influences the company's strategic direction and stability.
- Institutional shareholders collectively own approximately 33.97% of Traeger as of March 31, 2025.
- AEA Investors LP is the largest individual shareholder, holding 33,519,063 shares (24.70% ownership) as of March 23, 2025.
- CEO Jeremy Andrus holds 21,657,447 shares, representing 15.96% of the company.
- Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board is a major institutional holder with 24,693,075 shares (18.20% ownership).
- Other significant institutional investors include Capital World Investors (4.79%), Vanguard Group Inc. (2.33%), and Blackrock, Inc. (1.99%).
Traeger PESTLE Analysis
- Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
- No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
- Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
- Instant Download, Ready to Use
- 100% Editable, Fully Customizable
Who Sits on Traeger’s Board?
The current Board of Directors for Traeger, Inc. includes Raul Alvarez, Wendy A. Beck, Martin Eltrich, James Ho, Elizabeth C. Lempres, Daniel James, Steven Richman, Harj Shoan, and James Manges. Harj Shoan's role as Managing Director at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board (OTPP) highlights the presence of significant institutional shareholders on the board.
| Director Name | Affiliation/Role |
|---|---|
| Raul Alvarez | Lead Independent Director |
| Wendy A. Beck | Director |
| Martin Eltrich | Director |
| James Ho | Director |
| Elizabeth C. Lempres | Director |
| Daniel James | Director |
| Steven Richman | Director |
| Harj Shoan | Director (Managing Director at OTPP) |
| James Manges | Director |
Traeger's voting power is structured on a one-share-one-vote basis for its common stock. As of April 28, 2025, the company had 135,690,256 shares of common stock outstanding, with no dilutive securities reported as of March 31, 2025. This means that voting influence is directly proportional to the number of shares held. While no specific individuals or entities hold special voting rights, the significant insider ownership, which stood at 79.36%, and substantial stakes by AEA Investors LP (24.70%) and Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board (18.20%) indicate that these major shareholders collectively wield considerable influence over company decisions. The board's composition, with representatives like Harj Shoan from OTPP, reflects this concentration of ownership and voting power. The Competitors Landscape of Traeger can be influenced by these ownership dynamics.
Understanding Traeger's Voting Power
Traeger's voting structure ensures that shareholders' influence directly correlates with their equity. Major institutional investors and insiders hold significant sway in company decisions.
- One-share-one-vote system for common stock.
- As of April 28, 2025, 135,690,256 shares of common stock were outstanding.
- Insider ownership was 79.36% as of recent reports.
- Key shareholders include AEA Investors LP (24.70%) and OTPP (18.20%).
Traeger Business Model Canvas
- Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
- Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
- Investor-Ready BMC Format
- 100% Editable and Customizable
- Clear and Structured Layout
What Recent Changes Have Shaped Traeger’s Ownership Landscape?
Over the past few years, Traeger, Inc. has navigated significant shifts in its ownership landscape, particularly following its public debut. These developments have influenced its market standing and strategic initiatives.
| Metric | Value (as of July 23, 2025) | Change from IPO |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | $278.17 million | -86.85% |
| IPO Date | July 29, 2021 | N/A |
| Stock Ticker | COOK | N/A |
Recent executive changes and financial performance indicate a period of strategic adjustment for the company. These moves are designed to bolster profitability and navigate current economic conditions, with a focus on returning to a stronger financial footing.
Leadership Transition
In March 2025, a CFO transition was announced, with Joey Hord set to take over from Dominic Blosil. CEO Jeremy Andrus also saw an amendment to his compensation agreement in April 2025.
Financial Performance & Outlook
For fiscal year 2024, total revenues were $604.1 million with a net loss of $34.0 million. The company projects fiscal year 2025 revenues between $595 million and $615 million.
Strategic Optimization
A strategic optimization plan was approved in May 2025, including potential workforce reductions to enhance profitability and cash flow. This follows a period of stock price challenges.
Insider Activity and Investor Sentiment
Insider buying has been observed, with CEO Jeremy Andrus purchasing over $1 million in shares in June 2025. Analysts anticipate a return to profitability in 2025, reflecting positive sentiment despite market volatility. Understanding the Marketing Strategy of Traeger can provide further context to these trends.
Traeger Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
- Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
- 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
- Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
- Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked
- What is Brief History of Traeger Company?
- What is Competitive Landscape of Traeger Company?
- What is Growth Strategy and Future Prospects of Traeger Company?
- How Does Traeger Company Work?
- What is Sales and Marketing Strategy of Traeger Company?
- What are Mission Vision & Core Values of Traeger Company?
- What is Customer Demographics and Target Market of Traeger Company?
Disclaimer
All information, articles, and product details provided on this website are for general informational and educational purposes only. We do not claim any ownership over, nor do we intend to infringe upon, any trademarks, copyrights, logos, brand names, or other intellectual property mentioned or depicted on this site. Such intellectual property remains the property of its respective owners, and any references here are made solely for identification or informational purposes, without implying any affiliation, endorsement, or partnership.
We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content or products presented. Nothing on this website should be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, medical, or other professional advice. In addition, no part of this site—including articles or product references—constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any securities, franchises, or other financial instruments, particularly in jurisdictions where such activity would be unlawful.
All content is of a general nature and may not address the specific circumstances of any individual or entity. It is not a substitute for professional advice or services. Any actions you take based on the information provided here are strictly at your own risk. You accept full responsibility for any decisions or outcomes arising from your use of this website and agree to release us from any liability in connection with your use of, or reliance upon, the content or products found herein.