Houlihan Lokey Advises DECATHLON PULSE

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that DECATHLON PULSE, a fully owned subsidiary of the global leading sports brand DECATHLON, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in BLS Beteiligungs GmbH (Bikeleasing Group). The transaction involves the acquisition of approximately 65% of Bikeleasing Group, including the 52% stake currently held by Brockhaus Technologies AG (BKHT).

DECATHLON PULSE is the investment arm and startup studio of DECATHLON, dedicated to building new long-term growth engines, accelerating DECATHLON’s ambition to make sports and wellbeing accessible to everyone. An independent entity within DECATHLON, DECATHLON PULSE builds, invests in, and acquires forward-thinking companies that complement DECATHLON’s strategic ambitions and are shaping the global sports ecosystem.

Bikeleasing Group is one of the leading providers of sustainable bicycle mobility and modern employee benefits in German-speaking countries. Since 2015, the group has been developing digital platform solutions for company bike leasing, insurance services, and a variety of benefit offerings. With 500 employees and a presence in 10 locations in Germany and Austria, Bikeleasing Group includes the brands Bikeleasing-Service, Probonio, BIKE2FUTURE, and Lesora.

This operation marks a milestone in DECATHLON’s strategy to expand its footprint in the circular economy and sustainable mobility sectors. By integrating Bikeleasing’s leading digital platform, DECATHLON PULSE strengthens its portfolio with a high-growth, scalable business model that promotes wellbeing and modern working environments. Bikeleasing Group will also complement DECATHLON with an extensive network of 81,000 corporate customers representing approximately 3.9 million employees as of September 2025. This will enable DECATHLON to reach a vast new B2B audience and complement a proven, revenue-strong leasing model in its global ecosystem.

As part of DECATHLON PULSE, Bikeleasing will be able to utilise DECATHLON’s extensive industry expertise and broad network to accelerate its expansion beyond its current markets.

Bikeleasing Group will continue to operate as an independent entity with its established brands. The existing management team will remain unchanged and will lead the company’s strategic and operational business, with Founders Bastian Krause and Paul Sinizin confirming their long-term commitment to Bikeleasing Group.

Franck Vigo, Chief Executive Officer of DECATHLON PULSE, said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Bikeleasing team to DECATHLON PULSE. Our mission is to build long-term relationships with game-changing companies that share our vision and values. Bikeleasing has demonstrated strong growth and innovation in the sustainable mobility space. By maintaining its full autonomy while providing it with DECATHLON’s global scale and resources, we are creating a strong alliance to transform how people access sports and mobility in the workplace.”

Bastian Krause, Chief Executive Officer of Bikeleasing Group, commented, “With DECATHLON PULSE as a strong partner at our side, we are accelerating our long-term growth strategy and unlocking new international potential without giving up our identity and entrepreneurial culture.”

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and merger control clearance.

Houlihan Lokey acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Decathlon PULSE.

RELATED: Consumer, Mergers & Acquisitions