Brompton, the UK folding bicycle manufacturer, says it has sold minority stakes to Decathlon and BA Capital as the cycling market recovers from a previous sales slump. Decathlon has acquired a 10% stake in the company, according to reporting across outlets. A separate deal also brings BA Capital, a Chinese investment group and an early backer of Labubu soft toys, to acquire a 5% shareholding in Brompton. The transactions are described as jointly worth about £18m.
Brompton’s chief executive links the investment to improving demand for cycling products, following a period of weaker sales. The Evening Standard adds that some Brompton models will be sold in Decathlon stores, positioning the partnership around retail distribution as well as investment. The reported deals do not indicate Brompton is being bought in full; rather, both investors take minority positions. The company’s investors are expected to add retail and expertise as Brompton continues to operate its line of compact bikes designed to fold into three parts.
