Global plans for motorcycle manufacturer CCM

Investment firm Pitalia Capital has backed a Bolton-headquartered motorcycle maker with a cult following thanks to its acclaimed Spitfire series.

The investment will help kickstart global ambitions for CCM Motorcycles (CCM).

Founded in 1971 by the late Alan Clews, CCM is a specialist motorcycle manufacturer renowned for innovative design and synonymous with multiple successes in motocross, flat-track, trials, supermoto and road racing competitions.

It is best known for its critically acclaimed Spitfire series and has been developing market-leading motorbikes across its range of dual sport, supermoto and modern retro models from its factory at Jubilee Works in Bolton for the last 50 years.

This commitment to innovation has garnered a cult following and high-profile fans include seven-time world champion Carl Fogarty, who became a CCM brand ambassador in 2018 and went on to launch a limited edition run of Foggy Edition versions of the Spitfire series.

It has also led to the development of a number of industry firsts, including the development of the world’s first aluminium bonded motorcycle chassis on CCM’s GP450 Adventure bike, which remains one of the only truly capable lightweight adventure bikes on the market, the firm said.

This had also led to CCM claiming the world bus-jumping record with legendary British stuntman, Eddie Kidd.

The Clews family will now embark on the next phase of their growth journey and with the strategic and financial support of Pitalia Capital, the company plans to invest heavily in new product development to meet the pent-up demand across Europe and the United States.

This will include a recruitment drive to create 14 new roles within the company, which will enable the company to add strength and depth to its team as it creates the infrastructure needed to support its ambitious growth plans.

This includes plans to bolster the senior management team and recruit experienced design engineers and programme managers to support new projects.

Austin Clews said: “I am so proud of my father’s achievements here at CCM. It’s been a true family affair, with three generations involved in driving the brand through its competition days towards becoming a renowned British icon in the world of bikes.

“We are really excited about the next stage of our journey which will see a new ambition to take CCM into international markets.”

John Davies, managing partner of Pitalia Capital, added: “CCM is a great British manufacturing success story with a rich heritage and track record of designing and commercialising fantastic, innovative motorbikes.”

He added: “CCM bikes are an incredibly emotive creation, and the passion in the products and the people of this business makes it a great fit for Pitalia.

“I’m looking forward to working in partnership with the Clews family and our plan is to invest in all areas of the business, providing the financial and strategic firepower to bring this unique brand to the international stage. We are extremely excited about the opportunity ahead.”