A Strategic Takeover of French Sports Icon Le Coq Sportif: Consortium's Ambitious Plans
Group plans to purchase renowned French sports label, Le Coq Sportif - Group intends to purchase French athletic brand, Le Coq Sportif
Let's dive into the exciting news about a consortium looking to snag the fabled French sports brand, Le Coq Sportif. With roots deeply entrenched in the 19th century, this brand, known for its iconic Gallic rooster logo, boasts a workforce of approximately 300 passionate souls in France [1].
The consortium's mission? To breathe new life into this illustrious brand and pump up the international focus. Assurances abound that its site in Romilly, nestled comfortably east of Paris, along with as many jobs as feasible, will be safeguarded [1].
Behind this consortium are a gang of major players, including Neopar, a French investment company with expertise in corporate restructuring and owned by the Poitrinal family, holding a whopping 51% stake [2]. A diverse group, consisting of French telecom billionaire Xavier Niel, sports celebrities, ex-Le Coq Sportif executives, and more, own 26.5% [2]. And let's not forget Iconix, the esteemed American company known for brands such as Umbro and Lee Cooper, holding 22.5% [2].
A different bid for the brand has been tabled by French-Swiss entrepreneur Dan Mamane, according to reports from "Les Echos." But Le Coq Sportif is trying hard to shake off debts of around 60 - 70 million euros owed to public authorities [1].
So, buckle up, folks! With a new consortium in charge and a concentration on preserving the brand's core values of accessibility and popularity, Le Coq Sportif is gearing up for an exciting global comeback [2]. Expect this venerable French brand, with its rich heritage, to hit the international scene in a big way under new management and substantial financial backing - all aimed at revitalizing one of France's most beloved brands [2].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/le-coq-sportif-consortium-neopar-iconix-submit-bus-plan-eur60-70-mn-debt-2020-09-01/[2] https://www.lesechos.fr/entreprises-patrimoine/256782305-le-coq-sportif-de-la-poitrinais-et-xavier-niel-preparent-son-redevoir-avec-le-concours-du-consortium-iconix-1289714[3] https://www.iconixbrandgroup.com/brands/mbc-brands/le-coq-sportif/
The consortium, structured by Neopar, a French investment firm, and boosted by financial heavyweights like Xavier Niel, intends to revitalize Le Coq Sportif's international focus while maintaining job security in Romilly, France. With the combination of seasoned business minds, sports celebrities, and Le Coq Sportif's loyal executives, this strategic takeover could potentially breathe new life into the iconic French sports brand, driving it towards a global comeback in the realm of finance and business.