Austria-based HEAD Group has announced the 100% acquisition of British cycling apparel brand Le Col from Puma Growth Partners. The latest acquisition aims to mark an expansion for the sporting equipment and apparel giant as it looks to strengthen its presence in the international cycling market.
The investment will see Le Col integrated into HEAD’s sportswear and apparel division, which is based in Milan, Italy. According to the company, the acquisition aligns with its strategy to grow its high-performance apparel portfolio alongside its existing positions in winter sports, racquet sports, and watersports.
Le Col, which was founded in 2011 by former professional cyclist Yanto Barker, has built a reputation for high-performance, Italian-made gear. The brand is known for its Pro, Elite, and Sport lines, which are developed using wind-tunnel testing and feedback from the professional peloton.
The acquisition follows the resignation of Barker as a Director in October 2025. The brand, which had been London-based, will now be operated from HEAD’s Italian hub in Milan.
Rupert West, Managing Director at Puma Growth Partners, said “We are pleased to have exited Le Col to such a strong counterparty and believe HEAD will be a superb custodian of the Le Col brand going forward.”
HEAD Group, established in 1950, owns a portfolio of sports brands including Tyrolia, Mares, Aqualung, Aquasphere, Zoggs, SSI, and rEvo. By acquiring Le Col, HEAD adds a community of over 250,000 dedicated riders to its international ecosystem.
Le Col has previously received high-profile endorsements from Olympic champions, including Sir Bradley Wiggins and Victoria Pendleton. Sir Bradley Wiggins previously said “Le Col is the best performance cycling kit on the market,” while Victoria Pendleton noted that the kit allowed her to “get the most out of every ride.”
The brand’s products, which include technical jerseys and bib shorts, are designed in London and manufactured in Europe. According to the company, the focus remains on producing kit that helps riders go ‘further, harder and faster’.