Raleigh UK has announced it is rebranding, with the business becoming Accell UK and Ireland – a move which “marks the next phase,” aligning identity more closely with that of its parent company, Accell Group.
When sharing the news of the rebrand, the business is quick to point out that, whilst the new name fits the wider business structure, Raleigh will remain a key brand within its portfolio.
Chris Slater, country managing director, Accell UK and Ireland, comments: “We deeply respect Raleigh’s rich heritage in the UK, and it will remain a vital part of our portfolio. By adopting the Accell UK and Ireland name, we’re strengthening our position in the market, allowing us to better represent our full family of brands—including Haibike and Lapierre—while continuing to serve our customers with the same passion and dedication they expect from us.”
New name, familiar business
The transition to Accell UK and Ireland comes following a comprehensive business restructure at the end of 2023 – which sought to address significant, ongoing financial challenges.
It is here that a change of name is said to reflect “the company’s ongoing drive to enhance operational efficiency whilst supporting a diverse portfolio of premium cycling brands,” with the business combining an international footprint with a UK market-specific presence.
Renaming – seen as “a logical next step” – positions the company to “maximise its synergies with the Accell Group,” which owns 12 leading bike brands, including Raleigh, and a prominent part of the European e-bike market.
A heritage brand in a diverse portfolio
For many, the Raleigh brand is part of cycling history in the UK, and it is this legacy that the business intends to continue celebrating. As Accell UK and Ireland, the company will preserve Raleigh’s place “as a cornerstone of its portfolio” while providing enhanced support for Haibike and Lapierre.
Renaming the business aims to enable Accell UK and Ireland to better represent its full spectrum of brands – avoiding the potential confusion of sharing a name with just one.
Now fully integrated into the Accell Group organisation, Accell UK and Ireland are said to be “better positioned to strengthen distribution channels and improve customer experiences.”
Prospects for 2025 and beyond
“With Accell Group’s backing, we are stepping into an exciting period of growth and innovation,” notes Slater.
2025 sees the company set to introduce new ranges from Haibike and Lapierre and Raleigh, unveiling new additions that look to “reaffirm its market position.”
Commitment to the UK and Ireland market
Of the business and its future-looking ambitions, Slater further adds: “The name Accell UK and Ireland reflects our expanded capabilities and reinforces our leadership in the UK and Ireland cycling markets. While Raleigh remains a cornerstone of our portfolio, this transition allows us to fully showcase the breadth of our brands and expertise, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of today’s cyclists.”
COREbike debut for the new name
With elements of the UK industry and the global brands they represent coming together in the coming days, the newly rebranded business is inviting customers and partners, current and future, to join them at Core Bike 2025 – an opportunity to see the latest ranges from Raleigh, Haibike and Lapierre to discuss the exciting new chapter.
