Brooks will be bought soon

As a largely standalone operation, saddle-maker Brooks was always going to be an easier sale than Sturmey Archer.

It shared finances and marketing with Sturmey Archer but little else: Birmingham-based Brooks had its own factory, its own staff and its own distinctive products.

A contract race is currently taking place. At least one of the prospective purchasers is bike trade based and both will keep Brooks in the UK.