In the wake of Saddleback’s recent administration, Castelli and Sportful have reaffirmed their commitment to the UK market, ensuring that customers will not face unexpected costs. The Italian cycling apparel brands have established a direct operating structure in the United Kingdom and Ireland, moving away from their previous distributor model.<\/p>\n
MVC Group, the parent company of Castelli and Sportful, has taken proactive steps to maintain continuity for retailers and cyclists across the UK. The company is working directly with retailers, bypassing the need for an intermediary distributor. This strategic shift aims to restore normal supply operations promptly, with product availability expected to resume shortly through the new UK organisation.<\/p>\n
To ensure a seamless customer experience, MVC Group has committed to covering any duties, import charges, or additional fees that may arise during this transition. Emilio Fo\u00e0, CEO of MVC Group, emphasised the importance of the UK market, describing it as one of the company’s “most important markets.” He stated, “The creation of MVC Group UK Ltd represents an important investment in the market and will allow us to strengthen our service, our relationships, and our long-term presence in the UK.”<\/p>\n
This move follows the recent collapse of Saddleback, a UK distributor that had been a significant partner for Castelli and Sportful. Saddleback entered administration on 29 May 2026, resulting in the loss of 42 jobs. The company had faced increasingly difficult market conditions in recent years, leading to its closure. (retailgazette.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n By establishing a direct presence in the UK, Castelli and Sportful aim to provide more efficient and responsive service to their customers, ensuring that the high-quality products and support associated with their brands remain accessible to UK retailers and cyclists.<\/p>\n