Profile

Canyon is the world’s largest Direct-to-Consumer (“DTC”) manufacturer of premium bikes thanks to its early adoption of this distribution model and its industry-leading German design and engineering capabilities. The company is active in three segments (conventional bikes, e-bikes, parts and accessories). Its core markets are the DACH region, the US, Benelux, France and the UK.

2%
Portfolio value 09/30/2024
Investment case

Canyon operates in the attractive premium bike market, the long-term growth of which is driven by structural tailwinds:

  • Increasing popularity of bicycles, especially in the premium segment where Canyon is positioned, as an environmentally-friendly mobility solution and to support healthy, active lifestyles
  • Continuous customer adoption of e-bikes supported by technological advancement and an ongoing shift toward e-bikes
  • Continued focus on the online Direct-to-Consumer (“DTC”) channel, with advantages in terms of price and choice, but also in response to consumers’ growing adoption of e-commerce

Canyon has become a true reference for sports and performance bikes, supported by its drive for innovation:

  • Strong positioning in its core European markets such as Germany, Benelux and the UK that have grown at high double digits in the last years
  • Renowned performance heritage through successful partnerships with sports personalities such as Mathieu van der Poel, Fabio Wibmer, Valtteri Bottas, Manuel Neuer and Jasper Philipsen
  • Outstanding track record of the leadership team, with founder Roman Arnold remaining invested as a significant shareholder alongside GBL and continuing his involvement as Chairman of the Advisory Board

Canyon has embarked on new initiatives with significant upside potential:

  • Broadening the business outside of the large European bike countries, where Canyon bikes are in high demand
  • Penetrating the US, where there is good traction driven by an increasing brand awareness and the unique DTC offering
  • Growing in e-bikes, with a focus on sports such as mountain biking but also on urban categories, which is off to a promising start
  • Improving the customer journey through an omnichannel experience
  • Developing the sports gear offering
  • Board of Directors 3/5*
  • Audit Committee 3/5*