BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Ortlieb has announced that as of 26 February, Sportspulsion has become its exclusive contractual distribution partner across the French market, covering outdoor and cycling segments.
Having been Ortlieb’s partner for the outdoor sector since 2012, Sportspulsion is now expanding its role by taking over the distribution of the cycling segment, previously managed by CYFAC, led by its founder and
CEO, Aymeric Le Brun. This centralisation of distribution activities aims to optimise Ortlieb’s presence in the French market and enhance the coherence of its commercial strategy.
We have built a strong and fruitful collaboration with CYFAC and Sportspulsion since 2011 and 2012, respectively. In a market where competition is intensifying and commercial players are consolidating, it is imperative to adopt more agile and targeted strategies. Proximity to the end customer is now a key lever for strengthening our brand’s visibility and desirability. By entrusting exclusive distribution to Sportspulsion, we are choosing strategic continuity and a dynamic partnership, ensuring sustained growth for Ortlieb in France – Martin Esslinger, CEO of ORTLIEB
Jean-Louis Boyre, CEO of Sportspulsion, adds: “Ortlieb is an iconic brand with significant growth potential. We are not only excited to continue our collaboration with the Heilsbronn teams but also fully committed to taking on this stimulating challenge. This new phase will enable us to implement ambitious strategies to boost the brand’s visibility, strengthen its presence in the French market, and precisely meet the expectations of B2B and B2C customers. We firmly believe in Ortlieb’s innovative potential and are confident that this enhanced collaboration will contribute to its lasting influence in France. Under the leadership of Maryline Castilla, Deputy General Manager, the Sportspulsion teams will be fully mobilized to ensure a smooth transition and actively engage in the deployment of new commercial and marketing strategies to consolidate ORTLIEB›s leading position in the French market.”
Martin Esslinger concludes: “This transition, carefully prepared thanks to a long-standing relationship of trust with our partners, offers us solid prospects in the French market. We warmly thank Aymeric Le Brun, Nicolas Sylvestre and their commercial teams for their decisive contribution to the development of Ortlieb in the French cycling sector, as well as Heike Borchardt, our Head of Sales, and her team, who will actively support this transition.”
