Portfolio
Snow and Rock
- Sector: Services
- Acquisition: Sept 2010
- Deal Size: N/D
- Exit: In portfolio
Snow & Rock Sports is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of outdoor sports equipment and clothing, focused on snow sports, cycling, running, and climbing/ walking. The Group operates 35 stores, many of which include a combination of its three brands – Snow & Rock (“S&R"), CycleSurgery (“CS") and Runners Need (“RN").
LGV backed the existing management team, led by CEO Dion Taylor, to acquire the business in September 2010, with a strategy to continue to roll-out multi-branded stores, focusing particularly on the fast growing cycle and running sectors. Each brand differentiates itself from its competitors by its high level of customer service and technical staff knowledge, and its range of top quality brands. Together, they offer a compelling and complimentary specialist sports customer proposition.
LGV were attracted by the business’ UK market leading position in winter sports, and the opportunity for roll-out growth in specialist cycling and running retail. Through its current national network of 20 S&R stores and an online store it is the leader in winter equipment and top quality branded clothing, where it has some UK exclusive brands.
Both CS and RN have strong brands in their markets, and a high capacity for growth from the current base of 11 standalone CS London stores and 10 further stores around the UK, and 7 RN stores in London, of which 5 are co-located with CS.
