Rapha Strengthens Leadership Position and Growth Ambitions With Investment From RZC

Rapha has always had bold ambitions to elevate the sport of cycling and drive participation at all levels.  Since it launched in 2004, the brand has introduced new levels of quality, style and performance to cycling apparel and accessories, underpinned by its four-year sponsorship of Team Sky. As well as transforming the design of cycling products, Rapha has also brought a highly engaging and successful direct to consumer business model to the cycling world. Rapha has pioneered new approaches to content and marketing and to omni-channel retail and customer engagement through the Rapha Clubhouses in key cities, the global Rapha Cycling Club (RCC), the in-house Rapha Travel business, and global Rapha events series.

Rapha has expanded rapidly overseas, now selling through 20 local websites, shipping to over 100 countries and operating 17 Clubhouses in major cities around the world, with seven new clubhouses opening by the end of this year alone. The business has grown by more than 25% every year, has been profitable since 2009 and now has more than 200,000 active customers and 450 employees.

RZC Investments is backing Rapha founder Simon Mottram and his leadership team to deliver the next phase of their strategy.  The acquisition will allow Rapha to roll out its Clubhouse network, Membership club and range of products and services, expand its reach globally and strengthen its leadership position in cycling. Simon Mottram will remain as Chief Executive and has retained a significant part of his stake in the business.

Simon Mottram , founder and chief executive of Rapha, said:

Steuart Walton , co-founder of RZC Investments, commented:

William Blair , Pinsent Masons and Withers advised the company on the transaction.

Rapha was established in 2004 to bring more style and performance to cycling clothing. It now provides products for every road cyclist, from urban commuters to world class professional teams and continues to push the boundaries of innovation in cycling apparel and accessories. Alongside this, Rapha has cultivated a global community of passionate cyclists who come together as members of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC), the largest club of its kind in the world.  Rapha's direct to consumer model and unique brand values come to life in its numerous rides and events around the world, its Rapha Travel offering and in the global network of Clubhouses that combine retail, a cafe and cycling culture under the same roof.

RZC Investments is a direct investment firm with cycling-related investments that include Allied Cycle Works, manufacturer of premium American-made carbon fiber bicycles. Founded by Steuart Walton and Tom Walton , with RZC partner Jared Faciszewski , the firm is focused on providing long-term, differentiated capital to high growth businesses.

Active Partners is a London based investment firm with a focus on the consumer sector. Founded by the three principals a decade ago, the partnership has more than £100m under management and is currently raising a third fund. The firm's strategy is to work with exceptional entrepreneurs to build exceptional brands, to develop lasting relationships, to share ambition and to bring deep operational experience to high growth consumer companies. Other investments include Soho House, Leon, Honest Burgers, Caravan, The Fold and Finisterre amongst others.

http://www.apeq.co.uk

http://www.rapha.cc/announcement