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LVMH parent buys majority stake in Pinarello Bicycles

Written by Tyler Benedict
19 Comments
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Pinarello_Bolide-TT_carbon-time-trial-bike_dark_non-driveside
Photo c. Pinarello

BikeBiz has shared with us that L Catterton, the relatively new parent company of LVMH, has agreed to purchase a majority stake in Cicli Pinarello Spa, with founder Fausto Pinarello retaining the CEO title and a significant ownership percentage.

In a press release, Fausto said: “L Catterton’s unparalleled experience in building leading brands and deep understanding of the global consumer market make them the ideal partner for Pinarello. With L Catterton’s Pinarello will see new growth perspectives; we will not forget our roots and continue our path, creating innovative and high quality products.”

According to their representative, Pinarello plans to expand its presence globally and open new Pinarello concept stores in some of the “most prestigious capital cities in the world.” The transaction was conducted jointly by L Catterton Europe and L Catterton North American Growth funds.
Tyler Benedict
11,282 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com, where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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19 Comments
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Stank
Stank
8 years ago

“L Catterton’s unparalleled experience in fetishizing items to sell exclusivity make them the ideal partner for Pinarello.”

Quick typo correction**

Gonna take a big pass on anything Pinarello from now on.

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Chris
Chris
8 years ago
Reply to  Stank

In other news, Pinarello stocks have taken a tumble as internet commenter and, assumedly, mass high end bicycle-purchaser Stank vows to take a “big” pass on anything related to the brand.
This follows the folding DT Swiss after the influential zing-meister declared it have “**** the bed. While it was unclear exactly what the censored word was, industry investors clearly decided it was not worth the risk to pursue with the brand.

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alloycowboy
alloycowboy
8 years ago

Well know three things from the  Pinarello Bicycle take over. Pinarello bicycles are now going to be totally blinged out, smelling good, and even more over priced!

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Tom
Tom
8 years ago

Hopefully, this transaction is a signal that cycling becoming even more mainstream, where people and the law will treat cyclists like real people. Someday, we might be less apt to be treated as an afterthought by drivers or cops who clean up “accident” scenes.

Not that it makes any difference in my interest in Pinarello – very nice, but too rich for my blood.

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motarded
motarded
8 years ago
Reply to  Tom

Tom
Its a nice thought but do you really expect LV to stop clubbing harp seals so they can start advocating for cyclists?

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Tom
Tom
8 years ago
Reply to  motarded

to be more specific, it’s my hope that LVMH’s purchase is a reflection of overall sentiment towards cycling being a little less of a cult sport. LVMH doesn’t need to start advocating, but perhaps they can bring a little bit of mainstream appeal to cycling. At the risk of attracting more dueschbags to the sport.

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Dave
Dave
8 years ago

All of you that say I’m taking a pass or not buying anything from Pinarello. They will not care and why should they. With the amount of money LVHM will have to pump into the brand for marketing and advertising will make Pinarello a brand more and more people will want and will buy.

The people that think they are too cool and only want stuff no one else has or ever heard of don’t buy much anyway. They just like to complain.

Specialized, Trek, Santa Cruz, Cervelo to name a few don’t miss you.

And no I do not own any of those brands either.

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Gerard Thomas
Gerard Thomas
8 years ago
Reply to  Dave

“The people that think they are too cool and only want stuff no one else has or ever heard of don’t buy much anyway. They just like to complain.”

Interesting statement. Partially true, partially not… It all depends on which ‘market segment’ of cool we are talking about here… and even what one’s definition of ‘cool’ is….

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Greg
Greg
8 years ago
Reply to  Dave

I don’t know, it seems a bit of a risk. Bicycle manufacturing is equal parts engineering and fashion. So on the surface it makes some sense. But this might be the wrong kind of fashion? It seems F1-chic would be more appropriate than Rodeo Drive-chic. And it signals they might be completely giving up on the amateur racing market. E.g., like a Ferrari, it’ll be in the hands of pro racers or as a fashion accessory for the affluent.

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Andrew Dasilva
Andrew Dasilva
8 years ago

https://bikerumor.com/2016/06/03/thm-carbones-to-join-3t-cycling-in-mutually-beneficial-buyout/#comment-3179411

I believe Pinarello was hit hard by the bootleg Chinarellos that were out starting a decade ago. I didn’t know anyone who wanted a Pinarello after we saw the swaths of bootleg frames on grouprides (including one of mine in 2007)

Regardless, I still expect to see /more/ company consolidation to ensure profits stay at reasonable levels as long as possible, and to solidify small-market (compared to food, vehicle, industry, etc) footholds.

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Veganpotter
Veganpotter
8 years ago
Reply to  Andrew Dasilva

I sold plenty during that debacle. Everyone knows it’s not a problem if you buy from a bike shop

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Andyroo
Andyroo
8 years ago

This kinda makes perfect sense. I can already see a Pinnarello low trail randonneuring bike with a TAG Huer analog bike computer, Louis Vuitton pick-nick basket with a Dom Perignon specific wine coozy and matching Hennessy flask. Maybe they’ll make cashmere the new smart wool?

“Take the low trail to the high life with Pinnarello.”

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blah blah blah
blah blah blah
8 years ago

what do you mean some, should be all

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Marin
Marin
8 years ago

Does this mean Chinarello will get more expensive?

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Stank
Stank
8 years ago

(deleted)

Editor’s note: https://bikerumor.com/comments-policy/

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postophetero
postophetero
8 years ago

J Peterman what…

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Mike
Mike
8 years ago

I may be in the minority on this one, but I simply don’t like the way Pinarellos look. The curves just seem not quite right to me. Something about the bike is off. And I don’t particularly care (I just bought different bikes), but seems like there needs to be a little more fashion sense for LVMH to pick it up.

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Jon
Jon
8 years ago

Totally agree with you mike – they have always looked terrible to me too. Strange swoops and curves. The opposite of elegant.

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Scrambler
Scrambler
8 years ago

Perfect time to bring back the Montello with a Spumoni paint job!

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