LONDON — Brompton reported a 7.5% decline in bike sales, totaling 78,530 units, for the year ending March 2025. Total sales value for the period dropped 1% to £121.5 million, while pre-tax profits increased to £130,476.

The company announced that Decathlon acquired a 10% stake and BA Capital purchased a 5% stake in Brompton. The combined value of these stake sales was approximately £18 million. Brompton indicated these new investments enable staff and long-term investors to convert shares into cash. The company said the new investors would contribute market knowledge, supply chain efficiency, and technology.

Will Butler-Adams, chief executive of Brompton, said, "We are in this partnership to learn." He added, "We want to bring our bikes to a wider audience." Butler-Adams acquired a stake in Brompton in 2008, the same year he became chief executive. Andrew Ritchie, who designed the Brompton bike in 1975, remains the largest shareholder.

Franck Vigo, chief executive of Decathlon Pulse, stated, "What convinced us goes beyond the product: we share the same values, a strong culture of quality, and a long-term vision of sustainable urban mobility." He added, "This partnership is about scaling that model while preserving what makes Brompton truly unique." Brompton bikes will be featured in dedicated "Brompton corners" within select Decathlon stores.

In the year prior to March 2025, Brompton's pre-tax profits were less than £5,000. Butler-Adams said, "A lot of shareholders have owned shares for 50 years." He also stated, "We need to create an environment of ambition with job and wealth creation."

Brompton reduced its workforce by approximately 50 people, bringing the total to 790. The company attributed these staff reductions to increased employers' national insurance contributions and other tax changes. Butler-Adams said the UK government should address the sale of illegal ebikes, adding, "Weak control of illegal ebikes is hampering the ebike market [in the UK]."

Why It Matters

Brompton's financial results for the year to March 2025 show declining unit sales and total sales value, alongside an increase in pre-tax profits. The equity stakes sold to Decathlon and BA Capital, valued at £18 million, introduce new partners to the company. These investments are intended to provide market knowledge, supply chain efficiency, and technology, while also creating liquidity for long-standing shareholders.

The partnership with Decathlon aims to expand Brompton's market reach through dedicated retail spaces. Brompton's workforce reduction and comments regarding illegal ebike sales in the UK reflect broader operational and regulatory challenges within the bicycle market. China remains Brompton's largest market.