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Lavoie, the e-mobility company backed by McLaren Applied, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire VanMoof.
Under the terms of the agreement, the acquisition will see Lavoie and McLaren Applied inject stability into the Dutch e-bike brand’s operations, then combining and integrating their capabilities to create “a next-generation e-mobility business and establish a world-leading premium e-mobility offering”.
According to Reuters, Lavoie will retain some VanMoof staff in managerial roles but there will be some redundancies.
One of the biggest changes expected is the abandonment of its in-house retail store model, instead opting for third-party retailers to sell and service products.
Nick Fry, McLaren Applied chairman, said: “The acquisition of VanMoof underscores our commitment to strengthen and grow our world-leading e-mobility business.
“We see a huge potential to transform the way people travel around the congested cities of the world in a more active and enjoyable way.
“This exciting deal helps us to accelerate global growth, allowing us to increase the scale and quality of products and services we can offer to our customers. We are fully committed to being leaders in manufacturing premium e-mobility products that are redefining the category with each ride.”
The move forms part of Lavoie’s global growth strategy to redefine premium e-mobility and transform movement around busy urban areas.
This expansion will include e-bikes in parallel with Lavoie’s existing e-scooter operation with a synergy allowing the business to redefine the growing e-mobility sector by approaching urban mobility via the world of automotive engineering.
Eliott Wertheimer, Lavoie CEO, said: “With its next generation of e-bikes, smart technology, innovative design, and loyal customer base, VanMoof and Lavoie fit together perfectly.
“VanMoof has 190,000 customers globally and our commitment is to continue to keep those riders on the road whilst we stabilise and efficiently grow the VanMoof business and continue to develop its world-class products.”
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The Dutch brand has been in the headlines since filing for Chapter 11 status, effectively putting the company into administration, on Wednesday, July 12.
Less than a week later, the company’s Dutch entities had been declared bankrupt.
In recent weeks, trustees had been liaising with potential investors over a restart of VanMoof with Lavoie one of many rumoured to be interested during the bidding process.
Further updates are expected in the coming weeks, including information on the continuation of services for current VanMoof owners.
