PRESS RELEASE

Trolle Group acquires Swedish innovator Ophena

Strengthening its commitment to rider safety, innovation and premium equestrian brands

Allerød, Denmark – July 1, 2026

Trolle Group has officially acquired the Swedish company Ophena, creator of the world’s first magnetic safety stirrup and one of the equestrian industry’s most innovative safety brands.

The acquisition represents another important milestone in Trolle Group’s long-term ambition to build an international group of premium equestrian brands united by innovation, outstanding design and a commitment to making the sport safer.

Founded in Gothenburg by entrepreneurs Anton Fast and Simon Geldner, Ophena has developed a patented magnetic safety stirrup that has redefined traditional stirrup design. Combining an open-sided construction with an integrated magnetic system, the product helps reduce the risk of a rider becoming trapped during a fall while maintaining the performance, balance and aesthetics expected by top riders.

From Swedish start-up to international premium brand

In just a few years, Ophena has grown from an ambitious Swedish start-up into a globally recognised premium brand.

Its patented technology has earned the trust of thousands of riders worldwide, including Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Kraut (USA) and Olympic Rider Pieter Devos.

The brand has also gained recognition far beyond the equestrian world.

In 2022, Ophena collaborated with the iconic French luxury fashion house Saint Laurent, launching a limited edition of its Magnetic Safety Stirrups designed by Anthony Vaccarello. The collection was sold exclusively through Saint Laurent Rive Droite in Paris and Los Angeles, as well as on YSL.com—highlighting Ophena’s unique ability to combine engineering, innovation and Scandinavian design with luxury craftsmanship.

A shared vision

For Trolle Group, the acquisition is a natural extension of more than two decades of working with premium equestrian products.

“Safety has always been part of our DNA. Every day we work to provide riders with products that combine innovation, functionality and quality. Ophena has developed what I believe is one of the safest stirrups on the market today, and we immediately saw that the company shared many of the same values that have guided Trolle Group for more than 21 years,” says Ulrich Trolle, Founder & CEO of Trolle Group.

“This acquisition is about much more than adding another brand to our portfolio. We believe Ophena has the potential to become a global category leader, and we will invest in the people, the products and the international organisation needed to support that journey. At the same time, we want to continue exploring new technologies that can help make equestrian sport even safer in the future.”

A natural next chapter for Ophena

For Ophena’s founders, choosing the right long-term owner was about preserving the company’s vision while creating the best possible platform for future growth.

“When Simon and I founded Ophena, our ambition was to redefine rider safety without compromising performance or design. We have always believed that every rider deserves to feel confident, safe and stylish, and that philosophy has guided every product we have developed,” says Anton Fast, Co-founder of Ophena.

“As Ophena entered its next stage of growth, finding the right owner became more important than simply finding a buyer. We wanted someone who truly understands the equestrian industry, shares our values and has the experience to continue building the brand internationally. We found exactly that in Trolle Group. It also means a great deal to us that Ophena remains in Scandinavian ownership. We are confident that Ulrich and his team will continue developing the company while staying true to the vision Simon and I created.”

Ulrich Trolle adds:

“Anton and Simon have built something truly remarkable. They didn’t just invent a product—they created a brand with a clear purpose, strong values and genuine international potential. We are honoured that they have entrusted Trolle Group with the responsibility of writing Ophena’s next chapter.”

Ophena will continue as an independent brand

Ophena will continue to operate as an independent brand with its own identity, product development and market positioning.

The company will become part of Trolle Group’s international platform for sales, marketing, logistics, e-commerce and business development, while maintaining its commitment to innovation and premium product development.

Building the future of equestrian brands

The acquisition reflects Trolle Group’s continued transformation from a leading Nordic distributor into an international group of premium equestrian brands.

Today, Trolle Group includes:

Trolle Company – One of the leading Nordic distributors of premium equestrian brands.
Trolle Projects – The Group’s own Scandinavian premium apparel brand.
Ophena – Swedish innovator specialising in patented rider safety technology.

Together, the Group serves customers across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia through product development, distribution and brand building.

“We are not simply building companies—we are building brands with long-term value. Our ambition is to create products that riders trust, admire and choose because they genuinely improve the riding experience. Ophena is a perfect example of that philosophy, and we are incredibly excited about what we can achieve together,” says Ulrich Trolle.

About Trolle Group

Founded in Denmark more than 21 years ago, Trolle Group develops, owns and distributes premium equestrian brands with a strong focus on innovation, design, quality and rider safety.

With activities across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, the Group’s ambition is to build some of the world’s strongest equestrian brands while helping shape a safer and more innovative future for the sport.