 "Oppy" and Bruce Small create an empire
In 1921 a 17 year old cycle racer called Hubert Opperman won third prize in
the "Cycle Traders 80". The prize was a new £10 Sports model Malvern
Star bike. Opperman didn’t want the bike, he needed the cash value. Bruce
Small couldn’t afford to give away either the bike or the money but he could
see Opperman‘s potential. They agreed to a partnership which lasted a
lifetime.
Opperman’ cycling skill led to success, his success promoted Malvern Star
bikes and Bruce Small’s business grew. Bruce Small developed, managed and
promoted Opperman who grew in public popularity leading to more success for the
business. It was the perfect partnership.
By the mid 1930s, built on a series of long distance record breaking rides
and heroic efforts in the Tour de France, Opperman was a household name in Australia and probably the world’s most
famous cyclist. His reputation had made Malvern Star the industry leader in
Australia.
In 1926 Bruce Small Limited was floated as a public company. In 1928
General Accessories was floated as a wholesale distribution company to directly
compete with the established distributors, in 1936 Allied Bruce Small Pty Ltd
was floated.
Ó
Rolf Lunsmann, 2000
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