Halfords acquires Wheelies and Tredz

27 May 2016

Halfords has announced that it has acquired Tredz Limited (“Tredz”) and Wheelies Direct Limited (“Wheelies”); specialists in the online sale of premium bikes and accessories.

Tredz is an online retailer of premium bikes and cycling parts, accessories and clothing, which trades UK-wide and Wheelies is the UK’s largest provider of bicycle replacement for insurance companies. Tredz and Wheelies are based in South Wales, employ around 250 people and have been sold by the founders Keith and Michael Jones. From a customer and supplier perspective the businesses will continue to trade on a standalone basis and will continue to be led by Keith Jones and the existing management teams.

Cycle2work already has a great working relationship with Tredz, who have been part of the Cycle2work independent bike dealer network for over 2 years. Tredz will continue to form part of our IBD network.

Wheelies is the majority owner of Cycle Solutions, one of our competitors in the cycle to work market. Cycle Solutions is not part of the acquisition and both Cycle2work and Cycle Solutions will continue to trade as normal.

Jill McDonald, Halfords Chief Executive, commented:

“We are delighted with this acquisition, which we believe is a strong and complementary addition to the Group, extending our presence in the online market for premium bikes, parts, accessories and clothing. We continue to believe in the long-term growth potential of the cycling market. Keith and his management team have done a fantastic job of building a successful online retail operation and we look forward to working with them to develop and grow the businesses further.”

Keith Jones, Group Managing Director of Tredz and Wheelies, commented:

“We are very proud of the businesses that we’ve grown from a small shop twenty seven years ago into a strong operator in the premium cycling market, with a team of over 250 people. However, the time has come for us to work with a partner on the next phase of growth. Halfords is exactly what we were looking for. With the support and resources of a large group, we look forward to building upon what we have achieved so far to drive longterm growth.”