Huffy parent acquires bike manufacturer

The parent company of locally based Huffy has made a key acquisition.

UWHK Limited, formerly Emersion International, has finalized the purchase of a Colorado-based bicycle manufacturer, Niner Bikes, the former company said Monday.

UWHK is intent on expanding what it called the “premium offroad bicycle brand.”

“Niner is expected to gain market share through independent bicycle dealers and international distribution,” the company said.

UWHK Limited is an investment firm in global outdoor brands and a division of United Wheels Limited. United Wheels is the majority shareholder in Centerville-based Huffy Corp. and owner of Allite Inc. and VAAST Bicycles, to be launched later in 2018. Each company maintains separate operations.

This announcement will not affect employment at Huffy, a spokeswoman for UWHK said in an email.

“Acquiring Niner represents important opportunities for UWHK and Niner,” said Bruno Maier, UWHK managing director of new business, who is based in the Dayton area. “With UWHK’s support, Niner can focus on quality off-road product R & D and effective strategies to maximize gains.”

“We are in-step with the vision and fast-track global plans for Niner. Our leadership team and culture, which are synonymous with our brand, will be maintained,” Sugai said in the same statement. “UWHK’s support allows the dedicated team at Niner to keep producing high quality bikes.”