News

MEISE, Belgium – Cycling legend Eddy Merckx has entered a strategic partnership with investment company Sobradis. Both parties are convinced that the combination of their experience and competences, combined with a reinforcement of the management structure, offers the company the best perspectives for the future.

“The partnership between Eddy Merckx and Sobradis guarantees a further profitable growth of the company. Our participation is aimed on the company as a whole and not just the brand name”, says Jürgen De Vuyst spokesman of Sobradis.

More dynamic

“We want to give this business more dynamic with a focus on additional growth in the future. Until recently the company was fully family owned but there is no successor as Eddy Merckx’ son, Axel is currently running his own business in Canada.

“Eddy Merckx S.A. has an annual turn-over of six million euro and is employing 20 people. The bikes are exported worldwide, even to the US and Japan. The export accounts for 50% of the overall turn-over. Founder of the company, Eddy Merckx, will continue to participate in the capital and will remain operationally active. The management team is completed with Pieter Vansynghel (CEO) and Sven Goeminne (COO) both from Sobradis.”

The Belgium investor Sobradis is the holding of the family Joris Brantegem. The cycle industry is a new sector for investments for Sobradis, which is well known in the distribution of shoes.

Eddy Merckx was not available for a reaction.