US sporting goods giant Vista Outdoor has bought iconic motorcycle helmet brand Bell from its parent BRG Sports for £290m in cash, plus an earn-out related to Bell’s future performance and subject to customary working capital adjustment.
BRG’s cycling, skiing, snowboarding and children’s protective headgear brands (Giro, Blackburn and C-Preme) are included in the deal. But the company is retaining the Riddell US football helmet and body armour brand.
Vista Outdoor is a NYSE-listed corporation with a capitalisation currently worth about £2.2bn and annual turnover of £1.6bn, specialising in sports and recreational equipment. Although Bell will be its first presence in the motorcycle market, Vista’s role as a major supplier of hunting firearms and ammunition may be of interest to the outlaw biker community.
“The Bell and Giro brands have set the standard for innovation and excellence for many years,” said BRG Sports executive chairman and CEO Terry Lee. “We are confident that this business will continue to excel and serve as an industry leader under Vista Outdoor ownership.”