Management buy out completed at Chicken Cyclekit, Cedric Chicken takes chairman role

Chicken Cyclekit Ltd, one of the Cycle Industry’s longest established companies, has announced that Commercial Director Michael Catlin and Sales Director Gary Turner have led a management buyout of the business from current owner Cedric Chicken.

The company has seen tremendous growth over the last 10 years with significant investment in the company-owned premises, IT infrastructure and building a team of committed and passionate staff.

Michael and Gary will continue to be supported by David Nixon, Financial Director.

Michael Catlin confirmed that “following the successful conclusion of negotiations with Cedric, Gary and myself are delighted with this outcome and to have the full support of our brands, staff and bank. In some ways, for our customers it is very much business as usual as Gary and myself have been the point of contact for several years. Most importantly, continued customer focus is paired with ongoing ambitious plans for the company’s future.”

Gary Turner commented: “Chickens is one of the most respected names in the UK cycling industry and it has always been a privilege to be part of its success. Mike and myself have long-term ambitions to continue the Chickens’ legacy and we look forward to working with all our staff, customers and suppliers for many years to come”.

Cedric Chicken, an industry legend at this point in his career, will retain the role of company Chairman continuing to bring his wealth of industry experience and passion for the business and the bicycle.

Cedric said: “I have seen many a company go to the wall as a result of the owner staying in charge too long. Happily the youthful Mike and Gary have proven their ability given a free hand in the introduction of the latest IT and computer services. They have attracted more qualified staff as a result, enabling the company to function optimally; also younger staff of ability and they have the respect of our suppliers by knowing product ranges inside out. By most recently dividing their individual skills of commercial management on the one hand and selling/marketing on the other, Mike and Gary have honed their individual talents. Our suppliers are our mainstay and they appreciate the high degree of organisation that exists, for their benefit, within our company.  We have helped them and they have helped us through thick and thin for more years than I care to remember. This MBO sends out a very clear message to the trade – Chicken stands for perpetuity.“

Cedric will also be leading the arrangements for the 100th Anniversary celebration of a company that started life as William Chicken. Not far away now, it will take place in 2019 and promises to be a memorable milestone rarely achieved within the industry.

Chicken Cyclekit has also now been announced as a new distributor for Schwalbe Tyres.

Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks.