“It is first of all the story of a human encounter, two years ago, which transformed into a relationship of friendship…”, confides Philippe Veran, president of Upperside Capital Partners, the group he created and developed with Bruno Thévenet, in which Biotech Dental, Smilers and many others have grown. Since March 21, she has been a shared entrepreneurial adventure with judoka Teddy Rinermulti-world, European and Olympic champion, who turned 35 on April 7, and is aiming for new titles at the Paris Olympic Games.
Upperside Capital Partners acquired the company Fightart, founded by the sportsman, and therefore brings together, in a new entity, Sphere Brands Group, its subsidiaries Racer, specialized in motorcycle, bicycle, horse riding equipment, Cébé, famous for its sunglasses, masks and technical sports helmets. winter (bought in October 2022 and gradually oriented towards sportswear), and Fightart, therefore, which offers clothing and equipment for martial arts (judo, karate, jiu jitsu, taekwondo, etc.) and boxing/MMA.
A distribution network with prospects
“With Teddy, we share a community of values and vision on business and innovation. He was facing a crossroads of choice for his brand. Our rapprochement was an essential solution, we wanted to conclude quickly on a legal level so that he could plan for the Olympics and prepare with peace of mind. Within Sphère Brands Group, he becomes the second partner after me,” continues Philippe Veran.
The partnership also allows the judoka to strengthen his post-career perspective. « He has the ability to be a talented entrepreneur”assures Philippe Veran, determined to make this subsidiary a reference in ultra-technical products, since all the group’s resources (R&D, manufacturing, logistics, administration, etc.) will be at Fightart’s disposal to develop its ranges.
“Fightart also opens us up to the distribution network of sports clubs, which allows us to be in direct contact with practitioners. We already have lots of ideas. It is the possibility of providing members from a very young age who will progress with our equipment,” he explains, convinced that “there is reason to have fun with Teddy for a long time.”
Greater synergies and ambitions
The adoption of the general name Sphere Brands Group is obviously not a coincidence. It leaves room for further acquisitions in the future. But not out of a delusional appetite to gain weight, with the Upperside president maintaining the line of conduct that has made him successful. “Judo and martial arts are based on rules of respect and values which reflect an education in life, essential for me and for Teddy Riner. We will be able to target activities that matter but without deviating from this principle! “.
Manager of Racer, Florent Katchikian does not intend to restrict the scope of Sphère Brands Group to Racer, Cébé and Fightart. He wants to expand it to other specialties. (JC. Barla)
At the head of Racer, Florent Katchikian admits that he is already thinking about avenues to open in aquatic sports or other combat sports. “We can clearly see the social phenomenon that combat disciplines represent, whether for well-being, to let off steam or for the sake of self-defense. They affect everyone, regardless of age or gender.. Racer, Cébé, Fightart have their own universe, their history, their positioning. Sphère Brands Group can welcome others, our ambition being to accentuate synergies and complementarities”.
Florent Katchikian is also delighted to see a goal that he clearly stated last year come to fruition: “we were very present in the outdoor sector, Fightart allows us to penetrate the indoor sports market in terms of products as well as service. We are going to invest in equipment for customizing kimonos, belts, jerseys… which will allow us to also reach out to cycling clubs. We want to animate the communities specific to each sport, deploy dedicated applications to support practice and enrich experiences… Each acquisition helps the group grow and generates tremendous motivation in the teams. Together, we are aiming for the milestone of €20 million in turnover and 50 employees, compared to 40 today, by strengthening ourselves in marketing and sales.”
2024-04-11 08:07:33
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