Global retailer JD Sports has taken control of the UK’s leading premium bicycle retailer, Wheelbase, which has three stores across the North of England, including Darlington, the UK’s largest cycle store in Staveley, Cumbria, and one at Ilkley in Yorkshire.

Founded in 1993, Wheelbase has 45 employees and has a large online presence selling premium bikes to customers all over the UK as well as lending its support to the British Elite road cycling team Wheelbase MGD and supporting junior team Wheelbase CabTech.

Following the investment by the JD Group, which has taken a majority stake, Wheelbase is gearing up for further growth by taking advantage of emerging opportunities and a strong outlook for the cycling industry.

Chris Herd, Managing Director of Wheelbase, said: “We are extremely pleased to partner with the JD Group. It provides the perfect platform for the Wheelbase brand to develop and strengthen our position within the cycling sector, which is full of growth and opportunity.”

Commercial Director Toby Dalton added: “The JD Group will bring world-class operational support to Wheelbase. We look forward to a new era of development and can’t wait to get the wheels in motion.”

The JD Group is a global multichannel retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands with a total of more than 3,300 stores across 30 countries and a significant presence in the Outdoor sector through specialist retailers Go Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, Tiso, Fishing Republic and Naylors Equestrian.

As part of the acquisition, Wheelbase’s full management team and brand will be retained. Wheelbase was advised by Cavu Corporate Finance’s Managing Director Shawn Bone and Assistant Director Sahil Nayyar who led the deal on behalf of the shareholders.

The Northern Echo: Wheelbase has grown to become one of the UK’s leading retailers of bikesWheelbase has grown to become one of the UK’s leading retailers of bikes

Leading law firm for businesses Muckle LLP advised Wheelbase on all corporate aspects of the deal, and negotiations were led by award-winning corporate lawyers and Partners Philip Clare and Matthew Walsh.

The JD Group were advised by Napthens LLP with the team led by Corporate Partner Rob Dobson.

Lee Bagnall, CEO of the Outdoor division within the JD Group, said “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Wheelbase. We have been impressed by the capabilities of the management team and we look forward to working with them to enhance the cycling offer within the JD Group.”

Shawn Bone, Managing Director at Cavu Corporate Finance, said: “We are delighted to have been part of the Wheelbase story and to have delivered an excellent result for the shareholders, JD Group and the Wheelbase employees. It has been a real pleasure to work with the Wheelbase team and we wish them the very best for the future.”

Matthew Walsh, Partner in the Corporate Team at Muckle LLP, said: “We are proud to have supported Wheelbase on this deal, which represents an important milestone in their successful business journey.

“I’d like to congratulate the team at Wheelbase for their success so far, and with the JD Group’s support, I am sure that they are well on the road to greater success. As a leading law firm for businesses, it is fantastic to see an already successful business going from strength to strength.”

Rob Dobson, Corporate Partner at Napthens LLP, said “We are delighted to have been able to advise the JD Group on its latest acquisition and continued growth. Wheelbase is a high-profile business in the cycling world and we wish Wheelbase and the JD Group every success for the future.”

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