Alpina parent takes majority shareholding in Hiplok

Hiplok has announced that Germany’s Uvex Sports Group has taken a majority shareholding in the security business.

The Plus 8 Industries Limited business (Hiplok’s parent biz) will now be majority held by Uvex Sports Group, which remains privately owned by the Winter and Grau family.

Uvex has a long history of protecting people with its sports and industry equipment. Hiplok will join the Uvex Sports Group portfolio of brands, alongside Uvex and Alpina, bringing together expertise in protective gear and security.

Christophe Weissenberger, CEO Uvex sports group, commented “The executive board welcomes the strategic partnership with Hiplok, as it offers new and fresh perspectives in the international growing cycling market. Hiplok shares our values and our commitment to providing high-end products that focus on user benefits and offer high-end quality, innovation and design. We are all excited to create this new chapter in our company history.”

Hiplok was formed in 2011 when co-founders and product designers Ben Smith and John Abrahams launched the world’s first around the waist wearable bike lock. The pair have continued to develop a range of award winning products, expanding the brand’s security and storage line up and contributing to strong year-on-year sales growth. Under the new partnership, the co-founders will continue at the helm as the brand embarks on the next phase of its ambitious product development and international growth plans.

Ben Smith, co-founder of Hiplok, said of the deal: “Our partnership with Uvex Sports Group, a company whose people share our business values, commitment to quality and vision for innovation, provides a platform for delivering the next generation of Hiplok products to more cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts around the world.”

Hiplok products are distributed to the UK bicycle retailer via ZyroFisher. Stockists can explore the brand’s goods here.