Zwei plus zwei confirmed general importer and distributor for Chariot Carriers in Germany

The Thule Group has today confirmed Zwei plus zwei as the exclusive distributor and partner for Chariot Carriers child transport solutions in Germany. In the same deal the Thule Group takes on the distribution of the Zwei plus zwei owned brand Croozer in North America.

In conjunction with the Thule Group's acquisition of Chariot Carriers the distribution and route to market of the company’s products in Europe has been closely evaluated. Zwei plus zwei has served as the European general agent for Chariot Carriers since 1996 and during these years developed the distribution in fourteen markets. Today, the two companies can jointly present an agreement whereby Zwei plus zwei becomes the exclusive distributor for Chariot Carriers products in Germany, while the Thule Group takes on the distribution and development of Zwei plus zwei own brand, Croozer, in North America.

-“The Thule Group has a long experience with bike related products. With a strategic direction to provide consumers with solutions and products in line with our motto Active Life, Simplified we will increase our focus on the bike related field, says Magnus Welander, CEO of the Thule Group and continues. A first key step in this strategy was the acquisition in June 2011 of Chariot Carriers Inc. and through this deal to include their great product range of multi-functional child carriers in the Thule Groups portfolio”.

Tom Andersen, Thule Group  Business Unit Director Child Transport Solutions, comments on the deal.
“-Zwei plus zwei has been an excellent partner for Chariot since 1996. In this new situation, with the Thule Group already having a strong pan-European presence, we want to leverage the new opportunities this gives Chariot, but at the same time keep the experience and relationships established in the markets. Zwei plus zwei is the most professional and experienced partner for us to work with for us to achieve this in the German market. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that we have today agreed on a long-term dual distribution agreement, which will allow both companies continued growth.

The distribution set-up in European markets outside Germany is still under consideration, but will be finalized in the coming weeks.

-" Zwei plus zwei sees the new collaboration with the Thule Group with large optimism. The agreement is providing an exciting entrepreneurial challenge for us," said Andreas Gehlen, managing partner of Zwei plus zwei and continues. "We look forward to continuing our work with Chariot sales in Germany and to a successful development of the distribution of our brand Croozer, together with the Thule Group, in North America".

Chariot Carriers will continue to be based out of Calgary, Canada, with Dan Britton, the founder and key innovator, staying on as Director Innovation and with Tom Andersen, from the Thule Group in North America, as new Business Unit Director.

For further questions and images please contact:
Fredrik Erlandsson, Senior Vice President Communications, Thule Group
Telephone +46 70 309 00 21, e-mail fredrik.erlandsson@thule.com

Sabine Richarz, Communication Departement, Zwei plus zwei
Telefon: +49 221 951479-11, E-Mail: sabine.richarz@zweipluszwei.com