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Kona will distribute directly from their Euro HQ.
Paligap MD David Lane said:
"This ends a very long and good relationship with the Kona World team and we wish them all the best with their continuing business in the UK.
"Paligap have realised that bicycle distribution has become very challenging in the last two and a half years with the majority of brands distributing directly and during this period a number of new brands have entered into this market eroding at the market share.
"We are very positive about the role that Paligap will play in the bicycle industry and we will continue to further focus on growing the already market leading bicycle parts, accessories and clothing brands we distribute."
Jacob Heilbron, founder of Kona, said:
"The UK has been a very important market for Kona since Second Level Sport introduced the Cinder Cone in 1989. SLS was one of our first independent distributors and proved pivotal in promoting Kona during mountain biking’s initial boom in the 1980s.
"Over the years, Second Level, and more recently Paligap, have carried the Kona torch with firm conviction, consistently presenting our company as one of the country’s leading bike brands. We made strong friendships with our UK allies and treasured the professional manner in which they nurtured Kona among independent bicycle dealers and riders. Kona also has the great pleasure of sponsoring world-class athletes like Helen Wyman and Grant Fielder, and in the past, World Champion Tracy Moseley.
"In 1995, we established Kona Europe, which has grown into a smooth and superbly functioning component of KonaWorld. Based in Geneva, our European division services all of Europe as well as the Middle East and Africa with great knowledge, experience and customer service that is second to none."
Starting in July, Kona will begin to service the UK this Geneva office. Bicycles, components, clothing and accessories while be shipped from Kona’s Rotterdam distribution facility. A sales and support team will be based in the UK.
