BURNLEY motorcycle parts company Apico has new owners following a management buyout.

Dylan Brown and Anna Lena Eriksson have taken the reins at Vesty UK and Vesty Holdings, owners of the Aprico brand, from Yrjo Vesterinen and his wife Diane.

Three-times World Trials champion Yrjo launched the firm in Guildford in 1984, manufacturing clothing under the Apico brand for trials and motocross riders across the UK and further afield.

The company has grown into a major off-road operation, now importing hard parts under the Apico and Raceline brands operating from a 22,500 sq ft warehouse on the Network 65 Business Park.

It also manages the UK distribution for more than 60 brands including Arai and Pro Taper.

Yrjo said: “After putting such a large part of my life into Apico, it doesn't feel like a business, more a living, breathing organism that Diane and I have nurtured from infancy to adulthood. We have enjoyed watching it grow and working with all our staff and many people in the off road industry over the past 30 years.

"I feel we have played an important role in shaping off-road motorsport, from the built-in body belt in Apico MX pants and Lycra in Trials pants through to the current range of Apico hard parts, most of which I have developed myself.

"Selling Vesty UK and associated assets was not an easy decision, though one Diane and I have given a lot of thought to for some time.

“Dylan and Anna have been both our employees and close friends for some time. We feel they have what it takes to continue with Apico and the distributed brands way into the future, and Diane and I wish them luck every success in their new roles as directors of Vesty UK and associated companies.”

Dylan Brown and Anna Lena Eriksson said they feel 'privileged and honoured' to be taking over the company, which has 24 staff.