Companies

Decathlon launches new subsidiary to expand its presence around the world

Jul 17, 2024 France

The French-based sporting goods retailer has launched Decathlon Pulse, a fully-owned subsidiary focused on expanding its global presence and driving additional long-term growth

Acting as an independent entity, Decathlon Pulse is intended to complement the group’s core activities “by diversifying its ability to drive impact and lead the change”. Therefore, to achieve long-term growth, this entity will work to develop and scale ideas and concepts with strong potential to create standalone new businesses, invest as a shareholder in highly innovative companies and acquire strong and forward-looking sports brands and sporting goods retailers.

The French retailer has appointed Franck Vigo as Chief Executive Officer of the new subsidiary. Barbara Martin Coppola, the group’s Global Chief Executive Officer, will act as Chairman, ensuring complementarity with Decathlon’s core activities.

“Today marks an exciting new journey for us as we launch Decathlon Pulse, driven by a passion for sport and a singular vision to continuously enhance our impact on people's lives. We believe the best way to do so is to build long-term relationships with game-changing companies and people, in which we invest while maintaining their full autonomy to create a better sports industry”, commented Franck Vigo.

Decathlon Pulse is an extension of a strategy developed since 2018, which has seen Decathlon invest nearly 400 million euros in capitalistic partnerships, from investments in start-ups and small companies to the acquisition of majority stakes in premium pure players such as AllTricks and Bergfreunde. It is also in line with Decathlon’s ambition to Move People Through the Wonders of Sports.

Image Credits: drapersonline.com

France Decathlon Footwear Investment Management Sportswear