The Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy has struck a deal to design cycling clothes and accessories with the start-up brand Vulpine.
Hoy, who already sells his own range of bikes, said the gear would be aimed at casual cyclists as well as aficionados. “There will be a performance element, because that’s what I’m known for, but Vulpine is also about riding a bike in a less formal way,” he said. “It’s about catering to all shapes and sizes.”
Vulpine was set up two years ago by the husband and wife Nick and Emmalou Hussey. It is backed by City investors including the Nomura banker Ed Matthews.
Gulf Keystone in showdown
The controversial founder of Gulf Keystone faces a showdown vote at the oil explorer’s annual investor meeting on Thursday. The company last month announced that Todd Kozel was stepping down as chief executive. It has proposed that the American take up a position as “executive director” instead. He needs a simple majority to be appointed but several investors are threatening to vote against the move.
Hotel chain in £20m makeover
Jurys Inn is planning to spend £20m upgrading its hotels a year after being refinanced by a band of investors including a hedge fund trader nicknamed “Goldfinger”. John Brennan, chief executive, said the chain wanted to improve comfort and service levels as the economic recovery spreads beyond London. Jurys Inn’s backers include Mount Kellett, run by the former Goldman Sachs trader Mark “Goldfinger” McGoldrick.
Chinese scoff Pizza Express
Pizza Express has been devoured by a Chinese investment fund for about £900m. Hony Capital has bought the 500-strong restaurant chain from the buyout giant Cinven. The Chinese firm is looking at securing more deals in Britain, and is reported to be looking over United Biscuits, the maker of Jaffa Cakes.
