Nico Vouilloz
Lapierre enjoys a high profile in its native France, a reputation which is certainly unhindered by being the bike of choice for multiple World Champion Nico Vouilloz.
Lapierre has a long history, having been founded in 1946 by Gaston Lapierre in Dijon, France. The company's production and R&D is still based there. Obviously it wasn't doing MTBs in 1946, but today there's a full range of mountain and road bikes.