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Britain\u2019s largest bike manufacturer Brompton Bicycle has sold stakes to Decathlon and BA Capital, marking \u201can exciting new chapter\u201d for the folding bike brand.<\/p>\n
Decathlon Pulse \u2013 the investment and innovation arm of retail giant Decathlon (which has previously backed Magene and Coros) \u2013 has made the investment alongside BA Capital, a Shanghai-based venture capital firm.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrompton will remain Brompton\u201d the brand emphasised: \u201cThe company will retain its independence, distinctive brand, operating model and handcrafted-in-London heritage that have defined it since 1975.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to The Guardian<\/a>, Decathlon\u2019s stake is 10%, while BA Capital\u2019s is 5% \u2013 the deal is understood to be worth approximately \u00a318 million.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Will Butler-Adams, CEO of Brompton, said: \u201cFor over 50 years, Brompton has been dedicated to helping people move around cities in a way that is simpler, more flexible and more enjoyable. As demand for smarter and more sustainable urban transport continues to grow, we see a tremendous opportunity ahead. Decathlon Pulse and BA Capital bring complementary expertise, global networks and a shared belief in our mission. We are excited to welcome them as long-term partners as we continue to grow while staying true to who we are.\u201d<\/p>\n Today, Brompton bikes are available in 47 markets worldwide, with more than 1.2 million bikes produced since the company was founded in London over 50 years ago. The firm noted growing demand for its electric bikes<\/a>, powered by its proprietary e-Motiq system, and the successful launch of the\u00a0G Line<\/a>\u00a0platform, which has expanded Brompton into the 20-inch multi-terrain category.<\/p>\n In a press statement, Decathlon Pulse noted cycling\u2019s role in intermodal, efficient and sustainable urban mobility. The global micro-mobility market is expected to grow from \u20ac175 billion today to \u20ac360 billion by 2030: \u201cIn this context, the partnership brings together two highly complementary players, aligned by a shared vision: making cycling a cornerstone of urban mobility. By combining Brompton\u2019s unique expertise in portability and urban travel with Decathlon PULSE\u2019s global scale, the partners aim to unlock the full potential of folding bikes and accelerate their adoption worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n What this means for Brompton riders<\/strong><\/p>\n Brompton said: \u201cFor Brompton riders, employees and the wider community, the direction of travel remains the same. The products, purpose and brand that customers know and value are unchanged. What the partnership provides is additional support to help Brompton innovate faster, reach more riders and expand into new markets while remaining true to its identity and heritage. Simply put, Brompton gains new partners to help accelerate its mission: bringing the freedom, flexibility and joy of cycling to more people around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Franck Vigo, CEO of Decathlon Pulse, said: \u201cWe are very pleased to partner with Brompton. What convinced us goes beyond the product: we share the same values, a strong culture of quality, and a long-term vision of sustainable urban mobility. Brompton embodies a unique combination of performance, durability and community engagement that perfectly complements our approach. This partnership is about scaling that model while preserving what makes Brompton truly unique.\u201d<\/p>\n Michael Zhang, Managing Partner of BA Capital, said: \u201cBrompton pioneered the folding bicycle category and has become an iconic urban cycling brand. Through decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and design, it has built a globally recognised brand.<\/p>\n \u201cThe rise of experience-driven consumption is reshaping China\u2019s consumer market. As health awareness grows and outdoor lifestyles gain momentum, cycling is expanding beyond sport into everyday occasions such as commuting, travel, and social activities. Brompton\u2019s strength lies not only in its product leadership, but also in its unique ability to bring together products, culture, and community.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe globalisation is a two-way journey. As China becomes an increasingly important market for international brands, we are proud to be part of Brompton\u2019s long-term journey in China as it brings exceptional cycling experiences to more consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n