VICENZA, Italy (BRAIN) — Former Crankbrothers CEO Gaspare Licata leads a group of private investors that acquired a majority interest in Extreme Racing Shox (EXT), a manufacturer of bike and motorsports suspension systems.
Licata, Crankbrothers CEO for 10 ½ years, left the brand last month and has been working in the bike industry since 2009. The death of EXT founder and technical director Franco Fratton in April convinced former owner Katia Persico that a new investment and experienced leadership team was needed. As a longtime friend of Fratton and Persico, Licata stepped in.
"I've admired EXT's factory, engineering culture, and the people behind it for years," Licata said. "This acquisition allows us to build on that foundation with the flexibility and focus that a privately led structure enables. The company has untapped potential in both the bicycle and motorsports categories, and I'm committed to honoring its heritage while pushing it to fulfil that potential."
The investment will consolidate the partnership between existing shareholders and allow EXT to build on its engineering and legacy, according to EXT in announcing the news.
Under the new ownership, EXT plans to invest in new technologies, strengthen its global dealer and distributor relationships, and enhance supply chain capabilities. EXT will continue to serve as an R&D partner to leading motorsports racing teams and bring suspension solutions to market segments, including mountain bike, motocross, and e-moto.
"After Franco's passing, it became clear the company needed partners who understood both our values and the technical depth of the brand," Persico said. "While larger companies expressed interest, what mattered most to me was preserving EXT's technical excellence and relationship-driven approach. Gaspare and his team share that philosophy, which is why this partnership made sense."
