Shimano to Acquire Lazer Sport
Press Release
Shimano Europe is proud to announce that it has signed an agreement for the acquisition of Lazer Sport NV, the Belgian helmet company, on June 30, 2016. The transaction is subject to receipt of regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions. Shimano and Lazer expect to close the transaction in the second half of 2016. Lazer, founded in 1919, is the world's oldest helmet company, designing, manufacturing and marketing its protective headwear products for cycling, leisure and winter sports in more than 50 countries over five continents.
![Lazers]()
For all customers and consumers, the acquisition brings greater expertise to both companies, which will allow for the enhanced creation and delivery of products on both sides. This in turn will enable retailers to bring better products into stores and enhance the experiences of everyone who rides a bike.
Marc Van Rooij, President of Shimano Europe, said, "When we made the decision to expand our portfolio we were looking to invest in a strong and successful global brand that resonated well with consumers. We're very pleased to say that in Lazer we found the perfect match. We have become big fans of Lazer products and what Lazer has achieved. This exciting acquisition allows us to strengthen our position in key markets across the world and benefit from the technological expertise Lazer has built up in its helmet division. We look forward to working with our new Lazer colleagues in the near future."
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Lazer company owners Sean van Waes and Peter Steenwegen, Sales Director, will remain an integral part of the Lazer management board. All staff will also remain with the company at its base in Antwerp, Belgium.
MENTIONS: @shimano
Shimano Europe is proud to announce that it has signed an agreement for the acquisition of Lazer Sport NV, the Belgian helmet company, on June 30, 2016. The transaction is subject to receipt of regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions. Shimano and Lazer expect to close the transaction in the second half of 2016. Lazer, founded in 1919, is the world's oldest helmet company, designing, manufacturing and marketing its protective headwear products for cycling, leisure and winter sports in more than 50 countries over five continents.
Shimano's acquisition of Lazer advances its mission to support people across the world to enjoy cycling and inspire excitement for exploring by bike. Lazer headwear complements Shimano’s own clothing, footwear and eyewear products, as well as Pearl Izumi clothing, also owned by Shimano, to bring a complete top-to-toe line up for on the bike use.
Sean van Waes, Managing Director, 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.
"By combining Shimano's customer base with our unique patents, technologies and products, the Shimano group will be well positioned to equip road, MTB, urban and leisure bike riders with a full mix of innovative components and accessories.”
The combination of the two companies will increase the value Shimano and Lazer deliver to distributors and retailers in the cycle industry, whilst expanding Shimano's portfolio.
Sean van Waes, Managing Director, 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.
"By combining Shimano's customer base with our unique patents, technologies and products, the Shimano group will be well positioned to equip road, MTB, urban and leisure bike riders with a full mix of innovative components and accessories.”
The combination of the two companies will increase the value Shimano and Lazer deliver to distributors and retailers in the cycle industry, whilst expanding Shimano's portfolio.
For all customers and consumers, the acquisition brings greater expertise to both companies, which will allow for the enhanced creation and delivery of products on both sides. This in turn will enable retailers to bring better products into stores and enhance the experiences of everyone who rides a bike.
Marc Van Rooij, President of Shimano Europe, said, "When we made the decision to expand our portfolio we were looking to invest in a strong and successful global brand that resonated well with consumers. We're very pleased to say that in Lazer we found the perfect match. We have become big fans of Lazer products and what Lazer has achieved. This exciting acquisition allows us to strengthen our position in key markets across the world and benefit from the technological expertise Lazer has built up in its helmet division. We look forward to working with our new Lazer colleagues in the near future."
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Lazer company owners Sean van Waes and Peter Steenwegen, Sales Director, will remain an integral part of the Lazer management board. All staff will also remain with the company at its base in Antwerp, Belgium.
MENTIONS: @shimano
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
lol.
"Pew pew pew"
@troyleedesigns : Business is always harder than it looks from the outside. Still, it may be hard to understand for average Joe Dirt that bike pants/ jerseys are more expensive than their Shimano XT brake set.
But yes, commenters, tell us again how ugly the Revolution helmet that you've never worn nor tried nor seen in person is... While you're at it, could you elucidate further on how much you all hate their other standard-beating DH and MTB helmets?
It's a good purchase for Shimano, who just snagged a massively successful brand (across multiple platforms). Interesting to see what they'll do.
I assume they sell lots somewhere to be around for so long, and to be picked up by Shimano. But I just don't know where.
Have you seen their comical winter cross helmet? How that got out the door is beyond me.
For the record I don't actually mind the x-fighter helmet. Always kinda liked half face helmets.
But seriously, Lazer in terms of technology and quality are way ahead. Maybe they're a little short in the design/marketing department but that should be an easy fix and i can see how it would be easy to make a real powerhouse out of the company with the right distributor network and a little investment in marketing.
and the best technique is waiting for what others are doing ?
R&D means what ?
Dont take me wrong i have shimano products and also sram .I pick from each one what i think is better in terms of function and price for me
Sram sins ,in my POV .for to much offer and prices in some products out of control,Cassetes and some derailleurs just insane.
400$ for a cassete ? a wear product ?80$ for a chain ?They have a few products like those
Does Sram Group have suspension?Shocks ?Telescopic seatpost ?I think so !
Does Sram and Shimano are contenders trying to share the market ?
Was not Shimano a leader somewhere in the past in front line of technonoly and reliable products?
Why are they so slugglish in right pointing the right way and right direction?
Are no they big enough to have a suspensition department ? Was not as many poeople said the Marzocchi products a great oportunity to have real suspention products line and a real rival to Fox and RS ?With improvement in a reliable problems free products ?With of course a front top pro competition line !
Are not the world selling net points and suport that Shimano already have a more than a half way to give a product line what it needs to achive the customers ?
Fox was and are the apropriate owners and managers to Marzocchi ?
Marzo will fitted in Shimano reliable products like a hand made glove to an hand.Maybe Shimano use glasses only to see things close to their eyes and have not glasse to see beyond the window.
Take the opportunity to add long far see glasses in/on the helmets that they wil now produce.
Shimano is the leader. A leader makes their derailleurs with metal parts. A follower like SRAM uses plastic that does not take the hits like metal does.