December 03, 2015 (Grenoble, France) – Rossignol Group, a leading ski manufacturer, is in negotiations to buy Time, a bicycle and accessories manufacturer, as part of a larger move to broaden Rossignol’s product offerings reports AFP. Rossignol is currently in “exclusive negotiations” to make the purchase for an undisclosed amount.

Time Sport International, which is also based in France, will celebrate its 30th year in 2016. The company, which counts 120 employees, is mostly known for its carbon fibre frame bikes. Greg LeMond rode a Time bike to his 1989 Tour de France victory. Another TdF winner riding Time bikes was Miguel Indurain according to Wikipedia. WorldTour teams on Time bikes have included Quick Step-Innergetic (now Etixx-Quick Step), Cofidis and Bouygues Telecom (now Direct Energie). Teams and professionals using Time shoes and/or pedals include: Saunier-Duval, Ag2r, and 2008 Beijing Olympic MTB gold medallist Julien Absalon.

In a related move, the company recently launched its Rossignol Apparel lines, and appointed Alessandro Locatelli as Chief Executive Officer of its ambitious plans in the sportswear scene.

The mission is to expand the appeal of the French brand into the high-end sportswear and fashion lifestyle segment while maintaining the utmost respect for the company’s legacy in winter sports and its celebrated 108-year history – both symbolized by the three-colour rooster logo that will also adorn the upcoming range of clothing.

Also, Rossignol has announced plans to open what the French press calls “six boutiques mono-marques dédiées” – effectively concept stores – in the next six months at prestigious locations in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps: Chamonix, Megève, Courmayeur, Crans Montana, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Saint-Moritz.

Rossignol sold some 920,000 pairs of skis last winter under brand names such as: Dynastar, Lange, Look, Risport and Kerma. This gives the company some 22% of the worldwide market and 58% in France. With the advent of Rossignol Apparel, the company promises a line of “chic sporting clothes” adapted for everyday life, “at the same time functional yet refined wardrobe for everyday modern life, designed perfectly for both the slopes and the city streets.” Rossignol promises that most apparel production will be based in Europe.

With some 1,200 employees worldwide, Rossignol reported sales of 241 millions Euros ($341m CDN) for the fiscal year that ended in March, 2015. Rossignol Apparel, launched in early 2015, is now apparently generating 10% of overall company revenues.

AFP report here.
Rossi Press Release here.