Decathlon launches investment subsidiary

Decathlon has announced the launch of Decathlon Pulse, a fully-owned subsidiary dedicated to investing in new business and “building new long-term growth engines”.

An independent entity within the group, Decathlon Pulse will invest in “innovative people and businesses that share its values and commitment”. I

It will look to build and scale ideas and concepts with “strong potential” to create standalone new businesses which will complement Decathlon’s core activities and strengthen the Group’s value proposition.

It will do this through investing as a shareholder or by acquiring “strong and forward-looking sports brands and sporting goods distributors”.

Decathlon has appointed Franck Vigo as CEO of Decathlon Pulse and Barbara Martin Coppola, Decathlon’s global CEO as its chairwoman.

Coppola said: “We are thrilled to launch Decathlon Pulse. This marks a significant milestone in our journey to better serving the sporting needs of the customers of tomorrow. Decathlon Pulse is a separate entity, but will be complementary to the Decathlon as they work towards the same purpose to move people through the wonders of sport. Decathlon Pulse will be dedicated to finding new growth levers and game-changing innovations in the sports market. I can’t wait to see what the team achieves in the future.”

Vigo added: “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.”