Lyon Equipment, one of the leading distributors of outdoor products in the U.K., has acquired Totaloption, a much smaller British distribution firm specializing in water sports products. Lyon is the employee-owned company that sells brands from Petzl to La Sportiva, Exped, Ortlieb, Julbo and more, while Totaloption has distribution agreements relating to RTM kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, Bic windsurfing boards and rigs, and Vapour stand-up paddle boards. Lyon said it bought the firm in Lichfield from its founders, Marcus and Jayne Pollitt, who were apparently eager to retire after 22 years of building up their business. Lyon intends to move the inventory to its own facilities in Tebay, in Cumbria, and to move out of the Totaloption site. Marcus Pollitt is to assist with the transition, which is expected to be completed by early spring. Lyon Equipment was previously involved in water sports with the Point 65 brand. That partnership ended in the summer but the distributor says Totaloption has a well-established and commercial offering, which will enable Lyon to move into the water sports segment more efficiently.

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