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DWF advises co-founder on reacquisition of motorcycle and cycle accessories brand

07 August 2018
Managing cost
DWF Manchester has advised the co-founder of a global motorcycle and cycle accessories brand Renthal on buying back the business 12 years after he sold it to a US group.

Motorcycle enthusiasts Henry Rosenthal and Andrew Renshaw established Renthal in 1969, initially making handlebars for trials bikes. The company’s name is a blend of the duo's surnames. They sold Renthal in 2006 to Motorsport Aftermarket Group.

Rosenthal, who has remained actively involved in the business supporting the management team as chairman, has now bought it back in a multimillion-pound deal. Andrew Renshaw passed away in 2013 and his widow Claudine has supported the transaction.

National Head of Corporate Frank Shephard, senior associate Catherine Harrison and associate Katy Philips at DWF provided legal advice for the transaction.

Frank Shephard, National Head of Corporate at DWF, said: "Having acted for Henry and Andrew when they sold Renthal in 2006 it was a pleasure to bring Renthal back into the ownership of its original owners' families with Tom at the helm".

Renthal operates from a 41,000 sq ft manufacturing and engineering facility in Bredbury, Stockport. The business turns over £12m a year and employs 90 staff. Products include handlebars, grips, bar mounts, levers, hand guards, chain wheels, chain and brake pads. Around 80 per cent of its products are exported, to more than 60 countries. They are used by Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki as original equipment for their performance motocross models.

Overall its products have been used by nearly 200 motorcycling world champions and, since it expanded into the cycle products industry in 2010, by six world mountain biking champions.

DWF Manchester's corporate team regularly advises on various high profile transactions this year including acting for independent consulting firm Argon Consulting on its merger with Crimson & Co to form a new global group.

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