Rapha subject of £200 million takeover bid by Aston Martin owners, reports suggest

Clothing brand could be sold before end of year

By Henry Robertshaw
published

High-end cycling clothing retailer Rapha is reportedly the subject of a £200 million takeover bid by Investindustrial, the Italian owners of luxury car maker Aston Martin.

According to Sky News, Investindustrial is one of a number of company's on the final shortlist of bidders for Rapha, along with another investment group, Invus.

>>> Inside Rapha: is it just branding or a British success story?

The clothing brand has been the subject of considerable takeover speculation in recent months, with the Louis Vuitton Group, which bought Pinarello in December, rumoured to be among those interested.

Rapha is owned by Active Private Equity, which also has stakes in restaurant chains Leon and Honest Burger, and previously owned Evans Cycles, with steps being made earlier in the year to set up a sale by the end of 2017.

Established in 2004, the company's revenues were £63m in 2016, with sales reportedly up by 40 per cent so far in 2017.

Rapha declined to comment when contacted by Cycling Weekly.

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Henry Robertshaw

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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