22 Facts About Halfords

Halfords was founded by Frederick Rushbrooke, in Birmingham in 1892, as a wholesale ironmongery.

Halfords takes its name from Halford Street in Leicester, where Rushbrooke opened a store in 1902 and started selling cycling goods.

Halfords opened its two hundredth store in 1931, and purchased the Birmingham Bicycle Company in 1945.

Halfords became a part of Burmah Oil in 1965, following a takeover battle between Burmah and Smiths Industries.

Halfords was taken over by CVC Capital Partners in July 2003 and, in June 2004, it was floated on the London Stock Exchange.

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Halfords rebranded in February 2003, to the black and orange logo it has today.

Halfords entered into a Collaboration Agreement with Autobacs Seven Co.

Halfords opened its first shop in Central Europe in June 2007, in a village near Prague.

In March 2010, Halfords ceased its international expansion to refocus on the domestic market.

In June 2014, Halfords acquired the British bicycle manufacturer Boardman Bikes Ltd.

Halfords acquired Swansea based Tredz Bikes, an online retailer of premium bikes and cycling accessories, and Wheelies, the largest provider of bicycle replacement for insurance companies in the United Kingdom, for £18.

At a Capital Markets Day in September 2018, Halfords announced a new strategy, entitled 'To Inspire and Support a Lifetime of Motoring and Cycling'.

In November 2019, Halfords acquired McConechy's garages in Scotland and Tyres on the Drive mobile tyre fitting service.

In December 2021, Halfords acquired rival tyres and auto-care chain National Tyres and Autocare for £62m.

In October 2022, Halfords announced it had acquired the UK commercial tyre business, Lodge Tyre Company for £37.

Since 2010, Halfords Retail has operated around 465 stores, of which about twenty two are in the Republic of Ireland, and the others in the United Kingdom.

In 1987, Halfords sponsored the team of Professional Road Cycling, ANC Halfords, and that year, entered the Tour de France.

In 2021, Halfords announced it would be sponsoring the Team Dynamics BTCC racing team with drivers Gordon Shedden and Daniel Rowbottom.

In November 2014, Halfords announced it was going to revive its Cycle Republic chain of specialist bicycle stores, primarily focused on urban cycling and commuting, which is reflected in the brand's styling.

Halfords provides event support at cyclo sportives around the country, including Etape Loch Ness, Palace2Palace and Velo Birmingham.

Halfords announced a new, strategic partnership with the folding bike manufacturer Brompton, in the end of 2018.

Cycle Republic ceased trading under that name and the subcompany merged with another chain bought by Halfords called Tredz, which Halfords have stated will uphold any extended warranties.