Eccleston Acquires UK Rights to Ideal and Cinzia Brands

ST.-HELENS, UK (15 February 2000)--Former Townsend managing director Eddie Eccleston has acquired the UK distribution rights of the Ideal and Cinzia bicycle brands in a management buy-out from Concept. Concept MD Steven Walsh and Eccleston reportedly parted on good terms. With Ideal and Cinzia, the new company offers two complementary European brands. The Cinzia range comprises 23 Jumpertrek mountain bikes and the open frame Maya city bike. The line ranges in price from GBP99 (US$) up to GBP360 (US$) and is specifically developed for younger cyclists. The Ideal selection comprises 23 mountain bikes and 26 hybrids ranging from GBP149 to GBP1,600. For this year six new hybrid models have been developed, as a result of which Ideal now offers a full spectrum from city and trekking bikes to fully equipped hybrids. Ideal Bicycle Ltd. has opted for an exclusive association with independent bicycle dealers. According to Eccleston, "The benefits of both Cinzia and Ideal bicycles need to be carefully marketed and sold. IBDs are in the best position to do that. They have the ability to provide those consumers we are aiming at with the appropriate information and service. For our part we offer our dealers a good opportunity to make attractive margins, while customer-care and customer- friendliness is our absolute priority." Ideal Bicycle Ltd. currently has 200 accounts. The objective is to double that number in order to ensure a nation-wide coverage. Managing director Eddie Eccleston is assisted by an accountant, two telesales and two representatives. Tony Evans. who was already a member of the Ideal-Cinzia team at Concept, has been installed as the sales director and will cover the southern half of the country. Stewart Hutchins, who is just as highly experienced in the bicycle business, will work on the northern area. (TK)