After building up Vesty UK – and its Apico brand – into a highly successful off-road clothing and parts distribution business over the past 30 years, Diane and Yrjo Vesterinen have sold the company to long-time friends and employees Dylan Brown and Anna Lena Eriksson.
Since launching his company and the brand at the 1984 Bristol dirt bike show, the former triple world trials champion Vesterinen (and forever known as Vesty) has relocated from Guildford, Surrey, and operates from a 25,000sq.ft warehouse in Burnley, Lancs.
The firm employs 24 and handles over 60 major brands including Arai, Michelin, Putoline, Castrol, Vertex, Twin-Air, MSR, Pro-Taper, Hinson, Boyesen and Polisport. It also imports hard parts under its own Apico and RaceLine labels.
As well as being involved in the day-to-day running of the business, Vesterinen has been involved in developing and testing new product lines as the ex-champ is a most capable technician with an impressive collection of superbly restored classic Bultacos to his credit.
“After putting such a large part of my life into Apico, it is more of a living and breathing organism that Diane and I have nurtured from infancy to adulthood. We have enjoyed seeing it grow and working with our staff and many in the off-road industry over the past 30 years. I also feel we have played an important part in shaping off-road motorsport – from the built-in body belt in Apico MX pants and the Lycra in trials pants through to the current range of Apico hard parts, most of which I have developed myself.
“Diane and I have given a lot of thought to selling Vesty UK and associated assets, and with both Dylan and Anna being employees and close friends for some time, we feel they have what it takes to drive the business on into the future. We wish them every success in their new roles at Vesty UK and associated companies.”
Brown said: “There are exciting times ahead and we have been given a fantastic opportunity to take the company forward. Vesty UK has always traded with integrity and that will continue to be the key to our continued growth and success.”
Eriksson added: “Generally, not much will change in how the company operates. Good customer service is key to the success of the business and it will continue to be so.”
Pictured From left, new Apico owners Dylan Brown and Anna Lena Eriksson, with previous owners Diane and Yrjo Vesterinen.