Aleck, a manufacturer of wireless audio and communication systems for outdoor sports, has acquired Tocsen, a German brand of smart crash sensors for bicycle, snow and riding helmets.
Tocsen was established in 2019 by Alexander Schumacher, Andreas Botsch and Malte Buttjer. The first Tocsen crash sensor was created in Germany with the help of a crowdfunding campaign and is now used by more than 30,000 cyclists and other outdoor athletes. Tocsen’s crash detection technology is also incorporated into select helmets from the Uvex, Alpina and Ekoï brands.
Aleck, headquartered on Jersey, the largest of the English Channel Islands, was established in 2018 by Stephen Catterson. Its flagship product, Aleck 006, enables wireless audio and communication connectivity with any compatible ski helmet and is controlled by the free Aleck app. In North America, Aleck is the market leader and is distributed in over 120 REI stores, among others. The company also partners with global helmet and eyewear manufacturer Smith. The partnership resulted in the development of the co-branded “Smith x Aleck 006” audio and communications system.
Aleck will take over Tocsen’s management, product development and administrative teams, with Aleck being committed to continuing close relationships with Tocsen’s consumers and partners, including independent bicycle and snow sports retailers. Tocsen’s headquarters will remain in Freiburg, Germany.
The acquisition is also reflected in the announced redesign of the Aleck brand logo, to which the pink Tocsen Viking head was added.
