Zoot Sports acquires Tailwind Brands to accelerate growth

Zoot Sports, the triathlon and endurance sports brand owned by the Italian MVC Group, has acquired Tailwind, its longtime European distributor, to accelerate its growth across Europe.

In a statement, Zoot said the move was “strategic” as it presents a “significant opportunity to expand and strengthen its presence across Europe,” in a rapidly growing market experiencing annual growth rates of 7–8 percent.

MVC Group, which specialises in technical apparel for cycling and outdoor sports, said the acquisition would allow the group to strengthen its commitment to triathlon, a sport experiencing rapid growth in Europe in terms of events, athletes, and enthusiasts. The move also adds a key strategic pillar to enhance the Zoot Sports brand and triple its European revenue over the next three years.

Tailwind Brands has been distributing Zoot products across Europe for more than a decade, helping the triathlon brand to establish a “solid foundation” within the region. To ensure continuity in the region, day-to-day operations of Zoot Europe will continue to be led by Marcus Voss, general manager of Tailwind Brands.

Emilio Foà, chief executive of MVC Group, said: “Zoot is a brand we strongly believe in, and we are determined to accelerate its growth across Europe by entering a new phase of strategic development and strengthening our distribution network across the continent with a top-tier partner.

“Our investment in Zoot, acquired by the Group two years ago, fully reflects our long-term vision: to achieve a leadership position in the rapidly and steadily expanding triathlon market, a sport attracting a growing number of high spending enthusiasts.”

Doug Vargo, chief executive of Zoot Sports, added: “Over the years, we’ve built a brand recognised for its genuine and distinctive authenticity, continuing to innovate with the same passion that has driven us from the very beginning. The acquisition of Tailwind, together with the resources and network of MVC Group, allows us to take a more direct role in our operations and to invest more deeply in product innovation, marketing, and athlete engagement across the region.

“We are ready to seize these significant opportunities for growth and diversification, creating unique synergies and ensuring operational excellence that will further strengthen our position in the market. Triathlon is expanding rapidly in Europe, growing at an annual rate of 7 - 8 percent, and by 2030 the European apparel and accessories sector is expected to exceed 500 million US dollars in revenue.”