Dainese safety gear

Dainese is an iconic Italian brand that has revolutionized the world of dynamic sports safety since its founding in 1972 by Lino Dainese in Molvena, Italy. Initially starting with the production of leather motocross pants, the company quickly became a leader in technical apparel for motorcycling, mountain biking, winter sports, and equestrian activities. It is renowned for pioneering innovations such as the motorcycle back protector and the D-air® airbag system.

While the brand's heart, research, and development remain in Colceresa (formerly Molvena), Italy, its manufacturing footprint is global. High-end custom products and certain helmet components (under the AGV brand) are still produced in Italy, but the majority of large-scale production was transitioned to facilities in Tunisia, Romania, and parts of Asia to optimize costs and efficiency.

As of 2026, the ownership of Dainese has undergone significant restructuring. After being owned by Investcorp and later the Carlyle Group, the company was fully acquired in early 2026 by its former creditors, HPS Investment Partners and Arcmont Asset Management. This takeover was a result of a debt-equity swap that successfully stabilized the company's financial standing, ensuring the brand's continued legacy in safety and design under the umbrella of major global asset managers, including BlackRock (which owns HPS).