Cinelli and Columbus brands take new majority investor

The Cinelli and Columbus cycling labels have a new majority investor thanks to family investment vehicle Asobi Ventures.

Gruppo Srl, the parent company of the Italian bicycle manufacturer and renowned tube manufacturer Columbus announced the deal with the Texas-based investment group this morning, simultaneously revealing a CEO change in Marcello Segato.

Segato is an experienced manager and entrepreneur in the mobility sector who served for more than 20 years in CEO positions of both larger companies and start-ups. Since February 2020, Segato has been a consultant to Gruppo and Antonio Colombo, focused on developing the company’s strategic plan and laying the foundations for the company’s next chapter of growth.

Antonio Colombo stated, “It’s hard and challenging to hand over 100 years of legacy and of great satisfaction. I did so when I recognized in Victor Luis the perfect understanding of my vision of merging cycling with art design culture technology and competition, combined with an undisputed and proven managerial and organizational ability. “I have seen the future and the future is now” and I am happy to still be aboard this two-wheeled spaceship to explore the galaxies of the New Cycling, still in the wake of the “Grande Ciclismo” traced by my father Angelo Luigi and by the genius of the great champion, visionary entrepreneur and founder of the first Pro riders association, Cino Cinelli.

“I am sure that with Victor’s vision and with the leadership of Marcello Segato as our CEO, our teams and business will flourish for another century. I look forward to having them as my partners in this next chapter and supporting them as we continue to build on the strong foundations and heritage of our wonderful brands.”

Antonio Colombo was advised by Biscozzi Nobili Piazza, with the lawyer Enrico Valerio (partner) and by KPMG Advisory with partner Paolo Mascaretti. Asobi Ventures Inc was advised by Giovanni Borgini (Borgini Peverelli e Associati) and by the Lawyer Enrico Sisti, partner of Rucellai & Raffaelli.

Cinelli and Columbus products are carried in the UK via Chicken Cyclekit.