The news had been in the air for some time, but today it becomes official. Asobi Ventures Inc, the investment company based in Austin, Texas, headed by the American entrepreneur Victor Luis, acquired the majority stake of Group srl, the parent company that owns the historic and iconic Italian brands Cinelli and Columbus.
Two icons of world cycling
Cinelli, founded in 1947 by the former professional rider and Italian champion Cino Cinelli, has always been a point of reference on the global cycling market. The iconic Cinelli Supercorsa is the oldest road bicycle model still in production in the world. While the Lasers Cinelli They have won a staggering 28 Olympic and World track gold medals, more than any other bicycle in the history of the sport.
Columbus was founded in 1919. The Lombardy-based company quickly became a leading manufacturer of precision steel tubes for aviation, modern furniture, and the leading bicycle brands of the time. Champions such as Coppi, Anquetil, Merckx, Gimondi, Moser, Hinault, LeMond, Roche and many, many others have raced and won with Columbus tubes…
Marcello Segato is the new CEO
In collaboration with Asobi Ventures, Cinelli and Columbus plan to expand their presence among the top bicycle dealers globally. The aim is to build on a solid foundation, already laid with accessories and apparel. Victor Luis has led the development of several global high-end brands in Asia, North America, and Europe. He also served as CEO and a member of the board of directors of Tapestry, Inc. from 2014 to 2019. During those years, he led the company's transformation into Tapestry Inc., the New York-based home of historic and prestigious brands including Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. Recently, the entrepreneur—who is also an independent director of Deckers Outdoor Corp. and Farfetch Ltd.—also announced an investment in Moose Knuckles Canada, the Montreal-based high-end apparel and sportswear brand, where he has taken an active role as executive chairman.
For the role of CEO, Gruppo srl turned to Marcello Segato, A highly experienced manager in the mobility sector, Segato has worked for over 20 years in management positions at both large companies and start-ups. Since February 2020, he has been a Group and Business Consultant. Antony Colombo, focusing on developing the company's strategic plan to lay the foundation for the company's next chapter of growth.
In the vision of Antonio Colombo
"It's difficult and challenging to pass on 100 years of legacy and great achievements," admitted Antonio Colombo, "but I decided to do so when I recognized in Victor Luis the perfect understanding of my vision. With Gruppo srl, I want to merge cycling with art, culture, design, technology, and competition. All this combined with undisputed and proven managerial and organizational skills.
«I am extremely happy to still be aboard this two-wheeled spaceship. I want to explore the galaxies of New Cycling, always in the wake of the Great Cycling traced by my father Angelo Luigi and from the genius of the great champion, visionary entrepreneur and founder of the first professional cyclists' association, Cino CinelliI am confident that Victor's vision and Marcello Segato's leadership as CEO will ensure our teams and our business thrive for another hundred years. I look forward to partnering with them on this next journey and supporting them as we continue to build on the strong foundation and heritage of our wonderful brands.
