Oxylane Group, the parent company of European sports retailing giant Décathlon, is continuing its acquisition path, with further investments in other sporting goods companies. After buying a share in a French specialist scuba diving retailer, Au Vieux Plongeur, Oxylane has now acquired a minority stake in Germany’s Storck Bicycle.
Founded in 1995 in Bad Camberg, Germany, Storck has established itself as a key player in bicycle design and innovation, garnering multiple awards from cycling publications and at Eurobike’s annual design competition.
Oxylane has taken a 25% stake in Storck. Founders Markus and Helena Storck have increased their stake in the company from 62.4% to 75%, ensuring a consolidation of ownership.
According to Markus Storck, the major shareholder of the eponymous company, the additional financing brought by Oxylane will help it support annual growth of more than 20%. The investment will also be used to develop the Storck brand and to invest in logistics.
Day-to-day operations will remain unchanged, Markus Storck added; “Storck Bicycle will continue as an independent company. Our store concept will expand worldwide with dealers and distribution partners. Moreover we expanded our management team.”
It is understood that no synergies are planned with Décathlon, whose bicycles are positioned in a lower segment of the market – in contrast with the premium/high-end positioning for Storck bikes.
According to reports, in addition to the Storck investment, Oxylane has also acquired shares in a multisport retailer in India, Sport XS; and an online retailer in Japan, Naturum, which specializes in fishing, outdoor and other sports.
