BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Oxford Products has called the acquisition of cycle parts supplier Sprint CPA the single biggest move it has ever made in the bicycle industry, significantly upping its bike trade presence to previously unseen levels.
Since its formation in ’73, Oxford Products has supplied the cycle and motorcycle trade with universal products, including the likes of locks, luggage and reflective clothing. The purchase of Sprint CPA means that Oxford now provides bicycle-unique products to its dealer base for the first time – doubling the firm’s cycle trade offering to its customers.
The Sprint portfolio includes most basic replacement parts for bicycles; from ball bearings, bottom brackets and bars to bells, baskets and brake blocks. The acquisition will also see the firm supply wheels, tyres, chain sets and child seats.
The purchase, revealed on BikeBiz.com, provided Oxford Products a chance to make good on its plans to ramp up its cycle game. Marketing director Henry Fletcher told BikeBiz: “We have been involved in the cycle market since the mid ‘80s and have always wanted to expand this area of our business. There has never been a better time than now, with so many factors offering cycling a bright future.
“When we heard that the owner of a business (John Lambdon) so closely aligned with our own was looking to retire, we had to act. The Sprint product range dovetails so perfectly with our own, that we only have to make minor adjustments to merge the two businesses. So far the transition has been remarkably smooth and, although the order processing has had to slow down a little, we have not once had to close the business down during the hand-over process.”
Sprint’s product offering will make an immediate difference to Oxford’s customers, Fletcher added: “Put simply, it more than doubles our cycle trade overnight and makes us a far more important partner for our customers. We will work hard to earn their continued business and to grow the range for everyone’s benefit.
“It is the single biggest step Oxford Products has made since it opened its doors in 1973 – in either the motorcycle or bicycle industry. We are very excited about what Sprint can bring to our firm and what we can add to Sprint.”
Fletcher added that there are no further acquisitions lined up in the near future for Oxford Products: ”We want to ensure that we get this addition up and running to our high standards first and concentrate on service levels. Consolidation is the word.”
Oxford Products: 01993 862300
