Ribble goes global in Australia move

Recording £16.8 million turnover last year, Lancashire bike retailer Ribble is to expand internationally with Australia the first territory in its sights. 

The firm, founded in 1897, is making the move into the Asia Pacific market just a few months after it appointed Jon Owen as CEO and Matthew Lawson as chief digital officer. Owen was formerly director of Very.co.uk.

Australian customers will benefit from free shipping. For P&A, Ribble offers free delivery on orders over $149 AUD. Customers will be serviced by Ribble customer service agents and also a local point of contact in Australia. 

As of last year, Ribble is owned by retail and consumer sector specialist private equity firm True Capital. Ribble specialises in retailing customisable carbon road bikes as well as supplying high performance bicycle parts. It launched a new website, complete with bike builder, earlier this year.

Matthew Lawson, CDO at Ribble Cycles, said: “We’ve had fantastic domestic growth here in the UK. Now, it’s time to make Ribble Cycles a global brand.

“Australia was an obvious choice for our first venture overseas, with its established cycling culture and market growth thanks to improvements in city cycling infrastructure. We look forward to bringing our range, value and quality to the Australian consumer.”