Edinburgh—Dentons has advised the management team and shareholders of Sigma Sports on a new minority investment made by Primary Capital Partners LLP, a leading provider of private equity finance for UK-based growth companies. The investment is made from Primary’s fifth fund, with an undisclosed investment from Primary V and additional debt facilities provided by HSBC.

Sigma Sports, the UK’s leading premium omni-channel retailer of cycling equipment, was founded in 1992 by Ian Whittingham and Jason Turner. The business has an enviable position in the UK cycling industry and is seen as an important channel to market by global cycling brands. The company has grown rapidly in recent years and is looking forward to expanding its online and physical retail presence. Sigma Sports is renowned for its exceptional customer service and industry leading brand portfolio.

Alantra, the independent global mid-market investment bank, advised the shareholders and management. Andy Currie, Managing Partner, led the deal supported by Robert Young and Oli Lawson, with debt advisory provided by Guy Taylor.

Bill Fowler, UK Corporate partner at Dentons, said, "We are delighted to have acted for the shareholders and management of Sigma Sports on the sale of a minority stake to Primary Capital with debt funding provided by HSBC. Sigma Sports is a leading player in the cycling industry and the go-to retailer for premium brands. The company has experienced significant growth over recent years and we look forward to working with Sigma Sports as, with Primary's support, it continues its well deserved success story."

Ian Whittingham, CEO at Sigma Sports, commented, "It was a pleasure working with the Dentons team on this important deal. Bill Fowler and his team have been alongside us right from the beginning of this process and their advice, commitment and good humour was both hugely reassuring and instrumental in delivering the transaction. We are delighted to have the backing of Primary to work alongside us in delivering the next phase of growth for the business. It is an exciting time as we continue to deliver year on year growth supported by an exciting range of new product innovations.”

Corry Cavell-Taylor, Chairman at Sigma Sports, said: "Bill and his team worked their proverbial socks off for us. Getting the deal done with Primary on a very tight schedule was a key point and they delivered slightly ahead of time which was remarkable but crucial. They have been brilliant to do business with."

The Dentons team in the UK, which was led by Bill Fowler, included Corporate counsel Fran Betterman, Corporate senior associate Adam Knowles, Corporate associate Emma Brown, Corporate trainee Murray Newell, Regulatory & Financial Services partner Jonathan Garforth, Regulatory & Financial Services senior associate Owen McLennan, Regulatory & Financial Services associate Lucy Farmer, Tax partner Lorna McCaa, senior Tax associate Rachel Beveridge, Tax associate Tom Elliotte, PRM partner Alison Weatherhead, IP & TMT partner Ross Nicol, IP & TMT senior associate Julie Brown, Real Estate partner Simon Etchells, Real Estate associate Rachel Dunn, Banking partner Stuart Fitzsimmons and Banking associate Emily Perrett.

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Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com