Treviso, February 19, 2026 – Rudy Project, Italian leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance sports helmets and eyewear, announces a further milestone in its international growth path: as of February 2026, the brand has acquired ownership of Rudy Project North America L.P, its long-standing and exclusive distributor. Through this transaction, Rudy Project will now operate directly in the U.S. market. This strategic operation also includes the Caribbean region.
Founded in 1998 and based in San Clemente, California, Rudy Project North America was established by a group of executives from the optical and sports industries, who believed in the brand’s potential from its earliest stages of development in the North American market. Over the years, Rudy Project North America has contributed significantly to building a strong brand presence and consolidating the premium positioning of the Rudy Project brand.
Owners express strong satisfaction with this milestone: “After consolidating direct control over our key European markets, the natural evolution of our business was integrating the most strategic overseas market” commented Cristiano Barbazza, CEO of Rudy Project. “The United States is one of the most relevant, dynamic, and at the same time most competitive sports markets in the world — a context that demands speed, vision, and the ability to innovate continuously. For this reason, we have developed an ambitious multi-year investment plan designed to structurally support growth and further strengthen our presence in the U.S. market.”
Brad Shapiro, Principal and co-founder of Rudy Project North America, stated: “After running Rudy Project North America as an independent company for 25 years, this was the right time to reunite with Rudy Project S.p.A., the parent company, which has the long-term vision and resources necessary to maintain the brand’s quality standards and drive continued growth across North America.”
Rudy Project operates in more than 60 countries worldwide. and directly manages the business in Italy, France (optics and outdoor industry), Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and now the United States.
The brand has established itself as a benchmark in sports eyewear thanks to consolidated proprietary technologies such as ImpactX® lenses and helmets that combine safety, lightweight construction, and aerodynamic performance.
Alongside performance, Rudy Project is committed to sustainability through the RideToZero program, aimed at integrating more responsible practices into product development and corporate processes.
Founded in 1985, Rudy Project develops its products in collaboration with professional athletes, leveraging an approach that combines Italian design, technological research, and material innovation. The brand operates in the premium segment, targeting performance-driven athletes while maintaining a strategic focus on cycling, triathlon, running, and outdoor disciplines.
