Halfords Group plc, which is the largest bicycle dealer in the United Kingdom, has acquired Boardman Bikes Limited and Boardman International Limited, it's largest supplier of premium bicycles.
 

Halfords already sells the Boardman Performance Series exclusively in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, while independent bicycle dealers sell the Boardman Elite Series in the United Kingdom and United States. Both ranges are sold internationally by leading distributors and retailers such as Rebel Sports Group (Australia), Integrated Riding (Singapore) and Biken (South Korea).


 
Boardman Bikes will remain a standalone entity and contoinued to be led by Managing Director Andy Smallwood and Founder, Chairman and Design Director Chris Boardman. The acquisition would no affect Halford's guidance for fiscal 2015 erarnings, which were updated May 22.


 
“Our investment in Boardman Bikes, which have been ridden by multiple Olympic and world champions, demonstrates our growing position as a specialist cycling retailer,” said Halford's CEO Matt Davies. “We have worked with Chris and his team since 2007; they have created one of the most important, fastest-growing and successful brands in UK cycling. We look forward to a continuation of the growth that both Boardman and Halfords have enjoyed with such a strong brand.”  


In the fiscal year ended March 28, 2014, Halford's sold nearly $415 million worth of cycling products through its 465 stores across the United Kingdom and and Republic of Ireland as well as nearly $151 million of travel gear, including cargo carriers, child carriers, tents and other outdoor gear. 
 

Boardman said he looked forward to building on the success the company has had to date with independent retailers, in international markets and with Halfords.
 

“This step will take the brand to the next level and their backing will allow us to further develop our research & development and extend our award-winning cycling ranges,” he said.