Brompton has sold minority stakes to French sports retail giant Decathlon and Chinese venture capital firm BA Capital, as the British folding bike maker looks to expand its global reach.
Decathlon Pulse, the retailer’s investment arm, has taken a 10 per cent stake in the London-based manufacturer, while Shanghai-based BA Capital has bought five per cent.
The deal is understood to be worth around £18m and will see Brompton bring in two strategic backers with retail, supply chain and Asian market expertise.
Brompton said it would remain independent, with its brand, operating model and “handcrafted-in-London” heritage unchanged.
The business, which was founded in London in 1975, said the new shareholders would support its next phase of growth as demand for urban mobility and folding bikes continues to rise.
Brompton bikes are now sold in 47 markets worldwide, with more than 1.2m bikes produced since the company was launched.
The investment comes as Brompton looks to build on growing demand for its electric bikes and its recently launched G Line platform, which moved the brand into the 20-inch multi-terrain category.
The partnership will also see selected Brompton models sold through dedicated “Brompton corners” in some Decathlon stores, giving the premium cycling brand access to a wider retail audience.
Brompton chief executive Will Butler-Adams said Decathlon Pulse and BA Capital brought “complementary expertise, global networks and a shared belief” in the company’s mission.
“As demand for smarter and more sustainable urban transport continues to grow, we see a tremendous opportunity ahead,” he said.
“We are excited to welcome them as long-term partners as we continue to grow while staying true to who we are.”
Decathlon Pulse chief executive Franck Vigo said the investment was about scaling Brompton while protecting what made the brand distinctive.
“What convinced us goes beyond the product,” he said. “We share the same values, a strong culture of quality, and a long-term vision of sustainable urban mobility.”
BA Capital is expected to help Brompton deepen its presence in China and the wider Asia-Pacific region, where the brand has been building momentum.
The Chinese investment firm has previously backed businesses including e-bike brand Tenways and Pop Mart, the company behind the Labubu toy craze.
Brompton said the deal would allow long-term shareholders and some staff to sell a small number of shares, while bringing in partners that could help the business reach more riders.
Butler-Adams said the company would continue to design and make its bikes from its London base.
The deal comes after a difficult period for the wider cycling market, which has been working through a post-pandemic sales slowdown following the boom in bike demand during lockdown.
For Brompton, the tie-up gives it access to Decathlon’s global retail scale without shifting away from its premium positioning or UK manufacturing roots.
It also gives Decathlon a stake in one of the best-known names in urban cycling, at a time when major sports retailers are looking for a bigger role in commuting, micromobility and sustainable transport.
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