Zoot Sports (MCV Group) Acquires Tailwind Brands to Accelerate Growth Across Europe

October 31, 2025

Fonzaso (Italy), 31 October 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Zoot Sports, the premier triathlon and endurance sports brand, owned by the Italian MVC Group, announces the acquisition of Tailwind Brands GmbH, its longtime European distribution partner that helped enter and establish a strong foundation for Zoot within the region.

With this acquisition, MVC Group – specializing in technical apparel for cycling and outdoor sports – strengthens 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, with the aim of tripling its European revenue over the next three years.

Confirming Zoot’s prominent position in the international triathlon arena, the brand is serving as the official Triathlon and Cycling Apparel partner of the IRONMAN Group for the 2025–2028 period.

For more than a decade, Tailwind Brands has been distributing Zoot products across Europe and has helped build a solid foundation for strengthening the brand within the growing triathlon community.

Emilio Foà, CEO of MVC Group, commented: “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.”

Zoot Sports was founded over 40 years ago in Kona, Hawaii, the beating heart of triathlon, when the sport was just beginning to make its mark.

Doug Vargo, CEO of Zoot Sports, explained: “Over the years, we’ve built a brand recognized 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%, and by 2030 the European apparel and accessories sector is expected to exceed $500 million in revenue.”

Day-to-day operations of Zoot Europe will continue to be led by Marcus Voss, General Manager of Tailwind Brands, who brings many years of proven experience in the endurance sport industry, such as triathlon. His leadership will ensure continuity, strong customer relationships, and a seamless transition as Zoot expands its presence throughout the region.

Founded in 1946 by the Cremonese family, now under the guidance of the third generation, and since 2019 40% owned by the Equinox Fund, MVC Group is a leader in technical sportswear for cycling and outdoor sports, with the brands Sportful, Castelli, Karpos, and Zoot.

The Group operates in 75 countries around the world with 4 owned brands, 7 subsidiaries, and over 250 employees. MVC closed the last fiscal year with consolidated turnover of approximately €110 million and EBITDA margin of 14%.

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Zoot Sports. Founded in Kona, Hawaii, in 1983, it’s the original triathlon brand, specializing in training and race-day apparel for endurance athletes and enthusiast. Zoot was the creator of the world’s first triathlon-specific footwear line and continues to pioneer innovation in multisport performance gear. Drawing on its deep roots in triathlon and partnerships with elite athletes worldwide, Zoot delivers the most comprehensive and technologically advanced multisport product line in the industry.

Confirming Zoot’s prominent role in the international triathlon scene, the brand is the official Triathlon and Cycling Apparel partner of the IRONMAN Group for the 2025–2028 period and has a Ambassador Program of over 6,000 athletes in the United States who choose to compete wearing its apparel.

Zoot products are distributed globally and trusted by athletes all over the world.

www.zootsports.com

About MVC Group

Established in 1946 by the Cremonese family and now under the guidance of the third generation, MVC Group is a leader in technical sportswear for cycling and outdoor sports — hiking, mountaineering, climbing, ski mountaineering and cross-country skiing – with the Sportful, Castelli, Karpos and Zoot brands.

In 2019 the Equinox fund acquired a minority share (40%) of the group that today is present in 75 countries around the world with 4 owned brands, 7 subsidiaries and more than 250 employees.

www.mvcgroup.com/en

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