Groupset specialist Shimano has confirmed that its Shimano Europe division is to acquire Belgian helmet maker Lazer. It is understood that the deal will be completed later this year. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Lazer’s Managing Director, Sean van Waes said, “This is a complete win-win for Lazer and Shimano. It allows Lazer to concentrate on what we do best – innovation – helping us to become the biggest helmet brand in the world at a faster pace whilst giving Shimano access to the best helmets in the business.”
Based in Antwerp, Belgium, Lazer was founded in 1919. With its origins in motorbike helmets, Lazer saw an expansion of its bicycle helments business in the 1980s and 1990s. The company’s ‘curious attitude towards innovation’ has led to products such as time trial helmets with built-in visors and Lazer’s helmet fitting system – Rollsys.
Expanding into eyewear for cycling in recent years, Lazer also ventured into the ski and snowboard market at the beginning of 2012. The company now has a full collection of helmets for winter sports.
The acquisition of Lazer by Shimano sees the Japanese groupset company further expand its product portfolio. Since Shimano bought accessories and apparel specialist Pearl Izumi in February 2008, it has strengthened its Soft Goods Division, located at the Pearl Izumi headquarters in Colorado. Back in 2011, Shimano also invested in a Hard Goods Division at the Shimano American headquarters in Irvine, California.
Shimano’s own branded footwear has built a following with substantial international distribution across the company’s key territories. Now, with its acquisition of Lazer, Shimano is taking a ‘head to toe’ approach to bike apparel and accessories.
www.shimano.com
www.lazersport.com
