French eBike brand Neomouv acquires 80% of Portuguese partner

French eBike brand Neomouv, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has announced the acquisition, via its parent company VAxE, of 80% of the capital of Unibike – a bike manufacturer with expertise in painting and assembly – and Neomouv’s long-standing partner in Portugal.

This collaboration is said to offer Neomouv and Unibike exceptional opportunities for growth and innovation in the eBike market. This acquisition has been made possible with the support of the group’s shareholders, including Sodero Gestion, a historical investor. The capital increase has raised 2.7 million euros, with Neomouv founder and CEO Philippe Vaxelaire remaining the majority shareholder. BPI and the banks Arkea, Crédit  Agricole, and Société Générale are providing their support to the project.

Unibike is an established company located in Soza, at the heart of the Bike Valley in Portugal, renowned for its expertise in painting, assembly, and industrial development in the cycling industry. It was founded by Sergio Ramos, an entrepreneur passionate about bicycles and painting since 1990. Unibike operates one of the most modern factories in Europe, which was commissioned in 2021.

The facility is equipped with automated painting lines for powder, liquid, and carbon painting processes, and is staffed by operators who are experts in applying water-based stickers under varnish – which can be carried out on request.

The accumulated expertise in these areas over more than 30 years is trusted by major international brands. The manufacturing facility meets high environmental standards and has the capacity to assemble up to 250,000 electric bikes per year.

This acquisition will enable Neomouv to accelerate its development in the e-bike market, secure its production and increase its agility and capacity for innovation. Unibike, on the other hand, will benefit from Neomouv’s expertise in e-bike design, procurement, and component sourcing.

Neomouv and Unibike will continue to operate as distinct entities, each preserving its identity, autonomy, and customer base.

Philippe Vaxelaire emphasizes, “We are determined to continue our commitment to democratizing the use of electric bikes among our customers by offering high-quality, reliable, powerful, and competitive products, as well as personalized services for an exceptional experience. This acquisition strengthens our presence in the Ebike market, expands our product portfolio, and creates new business opportunities. We are confident that this strategic alliance will bring numerous benefits to both companies and our respective customers. I heartily thank Sergio Ramos for its trust and am delighted that his daugthers Paula and Victoria will continue the adventure with us.”

Sergio Ramos adds, “I am delighted to see Unibike and Neomouv coming together. Our two companies are family and entrepreneur businesses and share values of proximity and engagement. The expertise of our two teams are complimentary and I am convinced that their common passion for innovation and excellence will enable them to write a new chapter in the history of the bicycle industry.”

For more information the Neomouv website, or on social media: https://www.facebook.com/neomouv and instagram.com/neomouv