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The deal took effect on 1st November. Pace was founded in 1987. No financial details of the deal have been disclosed.
Production will eventually shift from Kirbymoorside to Biel in Switzerland, creating 15 jobs. DT Swiss expects its expanded fork and shock division will soon have 50 employees. The division is headed by Christian Mueller, formerly of Answer/Manitou.
R&D will be HQed in Switzerland but Pace remains in Yorkshire and will become R&D only.
DT Swiss, known for wheels and QRs, moved into the rear shock business earlier this year, supplying the 146gr carbon rear air-shock on Scott’s Strike MTB.
Adrian Carter of Pace becomes technical consultant to DT Swiss in the transition period and for future developments. Pace forks will be integrated into the overall DT Swiss suspension range within the next 6-12 months. Pace will continue to manufacture and supply customers with its full fork range for the 2007 model year.
Pace Cycles Ltd. will continue to manufacture and sell Pace frames, clothing and its other products. The companies have agreed that after the transition period production of forks will be relocated to the DT Swiss factory in Switzerland after which Pace will become the exclusive UK distributor of the full range of DT Swiss suspension products. Pace will also distribute DT Swiss wheels, rims, hubs and spoke products.
