PAI Partners, the Paris-based private equity firm that acquired Europe's largest outdoor retailer in February, is considering acquiring U.K. Trek and Specialized dealer Evans Cycles from a British PE firm, The Telegraph reported March 27.
The British newspaper reported PAI, which acquired A.S. Adventure Group in February for £300 million, is weighing a £100 offer for Evans Cycles, which sells from 50 locations and online. Since being acquired by Active Capital for £35 million in 2008, Evans Cycles has added nine new stores and revamped its e-commerce operations. In 2013, evanscycles.com began offering in-store fulfillment, or what the British refer to as “Click & Collect.” The site also ships to hundreds of countries worldwide.
U.K sporting goods retailer Sports Direct, and automotive, travel and cycling retailer Halfords have already passed on the opportunity, according to the report in The Telegraph.
A.S. Adventures sells outdoor brands through more than 40 stores in Belgium, Luxemburg and France and owns Cotswold, an omnichannel outdoor specialty retailers with more than 50 locations in the United Kingdom.
