Going nowhere Kerry Barnholt, who scored double cyclocross victories last weekend, remains essential to Van Dessel's marketing objectives photo: Todd Leister/leisterimages.com

DOVER, N.J. Van Dessel Cycles announced today its purchase by company founder, Edwin Bull. Since its comeback in 2004, a separate company that manufactures signs had owned Van Dessel Cycles. The decision to acquire Van Dessel Cycles came about when Bull took a hard look at the way the business was structured and realized that he had two options: walk away or buy.

"I needed to buy the business back because one day I woke up and had nothing left," said Bull. "So I put the cards on the table and announced that I cannot stay with the current structure. The other business owner stayed firm that he was not budging and so the only two choices I had at that point were a.) leave or b.) buy the company back.  The past two years have gone really well and the success and momentum has been very enjoyable.  Not satisfied to walk away, I looked into the buying out option."

While Bull declined to reveal how much he paid for the company he founded in 2000, he did comment that the price would "buy a really nice house in many parts of the country." Once the purchase price was agreed upon, Bull anxiously went searching for money and found a substantial amount, which came from a surprise investor.

"My mother actually had most to do with deciding that I would take the plunge," explained Bull. "I knew I needed to do this and continue but she was the one who whole heartedly supported me.  I maxed out on the bank loans - which was nowhere near enough and my mother shocked me by coming up with a rather large contribution to actually make it possible."

Her investment extends beyond merely a financial one. Her maiden name, Van Dessel, has now become synonymous with a little-engine-that-could bike company that's grown at least 40 percent each year over the past three years. Current year-to-date sales boast a growth of 85 percent and what's in the works for the future promises to boost sales even more.

"Next year I plan to keep doing what we're doing," remarked Bull. "I am really excited about new products down the pipeline, specifically our new Rivet: a carbon-wrapped, full carbon bike, complete with BB30 integrated bottom bracket and oversized headset bearings."

Van Dessel Cycles presently enjoys strong support from a good handful of shops across the country but Bull laments that Van Dessel has yet to establish a reliable nationwide dealer network. The strength of the brand plus its respectable price points provide a foundation for getting the proverbial "foot in the door" of IBDs and, with plans to increase marketing efforts next year, Van Dessel will carve out an even deeper niche in the US market.

Bigger plans include an introduction into Europe starting with Eurobike in 2008. Bull, a native of Belgium with family still in the area, seeks to leverage Van Dessel Cycles' strong European influence in the Benelux region.

Meanwhile, back in North America, Van Dessel athletes like Kerry Barnholt, who scored double victories at Granogue and Wissahickon 'Cross races this past weekend, and John Fokkema, who earned a national title at the recent Canadian National Cyclocross Championships, bolster Van Dessel's reputation as a top performing bike manufacturer.

There's more in store for 2008 and announcements of Van Dessel-sponsored teams and athletes are coming soon!

To set up an interview with Edwin, or for editorial test/demo requests, high-resolution images, or further detail, contact him directly at: Edwin@vandesselsports.com or via phone at 866-835-5454

About Van Dessel Cycles
Ride inspired since 2000, Van Dessel Cycles is dedicated to maximizing performance, function, and dependability in every Van Dessel bike. Van Dessel's 2008 line of bikes debuts at www.vandesselsports.com and features the carbon Rivet road bike, the ultra-light aerodynamic TT/Tri All Systems Go, the full-suspension Jersey Devil FS and the single-speed Country Road Bob. Determined to build up the sport from its grassroots, Van Dessel believes in promoting cycling through talented, results-oriented athletes. Look for Van Dessel Cycles beneath teams like the New England Van Dessel Factory Team (formerly Colavita New England), the New Jersey Van Dessel Factory Team, the Virginia Van Dessel Factory Team, and the Iraq Junior National Team. In addition to these teams, Van Dessel now sponsors the Juice Plus+ pro women's team, the Colavita U-19 team and the Georgetown University cycling team.   To see Van Dessel bikes up close, find a dealer at www.vandesselsports.com

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Online version of this release can be viewed here: http://www.boohermedia.com/VanDessel/PR_14.htm