Lidl-Trek restructures: Lidl to take majority ownership as Trek retains key stake

Supermarket giant Lidl is set to become the majority stakeholder of the Lidl-Trek WorldTour team, with bike manufacturer Trek retaining a significant stake in the operation they founded. 

The two companies have announced that they are in ‘advanced discussions’ to restructure team ownership, with apress release issued from Lidl-Trek on Friday stating, "Lidl intends to acquire a majority stake, with Trek retaining a significant ownership stake in the team they founded. Subject to the approval of all relevant authorities, the transaction is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks."

Lidl first joined as a primary sponsor in June 2023, which resulted in a major rebranding of both the men's and women's WorldTour teams just before the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia Women, respectively. The team has seen plenty of investment since, signing big names in both the men’s and women’s pelotons, and has established itself as one of the best operating teams around.

2025 has been an excellent year for the men's team, who currently sit 2nd in the UCI Team rankings, having claimed 35 victories this season, including Gent-Wevelgem, Amstel Gold Race, six stages of the Giro d'Italia and two at the Tour de France with Jonathan Milan. The Women's team have also had a strong season with stage victories at the Vuelta España Femenina and Giro d'Italia Women.

The deal looks set to significantly strengthen the financial foundations of the American-registered WorldTour outfit and the development of the team’s resources and facilities, with major investment from Lidl’s parent, the Schwarz Group.

Plans for the new deal include investment in “a state-of-the-art Performance Centre focused on athlete health recovery and performance analysis to improve decision making as an aid to performance improvement, and also placing the individual requirements of an athlete front and centre."

“This impending reorganisation moves Lidl from a contracted sponsor to co-owner, providing the resources to recruit, retain and develop the best riders in a stable, long-term environment. Following the final signing, Trek will remain committed to the team, continuing as a co-owner and technical partner," the press release added.

Roger Gierhart, Vice President of Trek Bicycle, expressed his confidence in the collaboration, “Ever since Trek bought the WorldTour license and created the team 12 years ago, we’ve known that we would be in the sport for the long haul.

“With Lidl, we have found a partner with whom we have a shared vision for the future and with their backing, we can aim for the very top of the sport and write even more success in our history,” Gierhart added.

This change in team structure marks one of a number of changes that are set to occur ahead of the 2026 season. 

Decathlon recently took over ownership of the French WorldTour team, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, with the latter sponsor set to end its 28-year involvement with the set-up at the end of the season. Decathlon have signed a five-year agreement with shipping company CMA CGM, and the team will be known as Decathlon-CMA CGM in 2026. 

Beyond this, there are also plenty of reports indicating a merger between Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty is on the cards, meaning that there could be plenty of team structure and sponsorship changes in the WorldTour heading into the 2026 season.