HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Accell Group has completed its recapitalisation process after it secured sufficient support from its key stakeholders last November. The sanction hearing in the English court on 23 January 2025, at which the court sanctioned the recapitalisation following the agreement that Accell reached with the majority of its financial stakeholders in October 2024, was the final step before yesterday's finalisation.

MATTIGHOFEN, Austria - The financial struggle at the motorcycle division of Pierer Mobility AG could not take place without having an impact on the e-bike department. The company has now announced that its regional activities in South Africa, Germany and the UK will gradually be wound down in a controlled manner.

DRESDEN, Germany - The Management Board of online bicycle retailer Bike24 Holding AG has adjusted its revenue forecast for the 2024 financial year downwards. At the same time, the company confirms its previous forecast for the adjusted EBITDA margin "based on the indicative results for the fourth quarter of 2024".

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In an attempt to improve the financial situation, bicycle manufacturers massively tried to lower their inventory levels even when it came with huge discounting. Giant Group managed to mitigate its decline in turnover to 7.4% as the company's 2024 monthly revenue report shows. This is compared with a decrease of 16.4% in 2023.

PARIS, France - As reported by several Swiss media, Paris-based arbitration tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) handed down its verdict regarding Scott Sports SA (or Scott Sports Group) ownership. According to the ruling made on 6 February, Beat Zaugg, who is still co-owner of Swiss bike and winter sports supplier, is to cede his 47% stake in the company to majority owner Youngone Corporation.

The 2025 Taipei Cycle Show will take place from March 26 to 29 at Halls 1 and 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. The event will bring together 980 companies from 35 countries across 3,600 booths, reinforcing its role as a hub for high-end bicycle supply chains, innovation, and sustainability.

OTTOBRUNN, Germany - Porsche's e-bike drive systems manufacturing subsidiary has announced the appointment of Florian Klingseisen and Eric Sakalowsky to director-level roles. Klingseisen joined Porsche eBike Performance as director of project management last month, while Sakalowsky has taken up the role of marketing director. Dr Jan Becker, co-CEO of Porsche eBike Performance, welcomed the pair and said the firm was delighted with the hires.

HARD, Austria - Modular bike builder Simplon Fahrrad GmbH has successfully completed its restructuring process under self-administration. With the support of the previously announced new owner SOL Capital Management, Austria's second-largest bicycle manufacturer is now starting the upcoming cycling season in a stronger position.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - Is Belgium the 'most promising market' amidst the other European markets where companies are struggling with financial burdens and slow demand? "2024 has not been a crisis year for the bicycle industry," said Paul Glorieux, secretary general of the Belgium industry association Traxio-Velo at the presentation of the 2024 market statistics.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwan exported 47% less e-bikes across 2024, the preliminary custom statistics show. With just under 365,000 units leaving the nation's shores in a year, this is the lowest volume since 2018. The export value also dropped 43% year-on-year meaning the economic ramifications must still be being felt throughout the supply chain.

PARIS, France - With already 3,400 cargo bikes and 600 trailers used by approximately 650 businesses in France, this alternative to conventional utility vehicles is gaining traction a study led by the French association Les Boîtes à Vélo has found. The 2024 report from the Professional Cyclomobility Observatory sheds light on this growing trend, revealing promising figures and ambitious prospects for the sector.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - In late 2023, after a difficult year, industry insiders were looking hopefully towards the new year. However, predictions of inventory level recovery and stability in the market were pushed back at every contact moment during 2024; from Taipei Cycle at the beginning of the year, to Taichung Bike Week at the end. This 'hope' was abandoned in the second half of the year as insolvencies and closures began to dominate the headlines. As hopes now push forward to those that have 'survived to 2025', here, a perhaps unwelcome look back at 2024.

MASER, Italy - Sidi Sport S.r.l., was sold by founder Dino Signori to the Milan-based investment holding company, Italmobiliare S.p.A. in 2022. Soon after the takeover of the company specialising in the production of cycling and motorcycling footwear, Davide Rossetti was appointed CEO and that marked the start of a complete overhaul of the company. What is the current status of this iconic brand?

PODGRODZIE, Poland - Based in the southeast of Poland, Romet has been in the bicycle industry for more than 75 years. Operating in a total of three factories spread out over the country, Romet holds a strong position in its home market, but is also one of the well-known players in the European OEM market. Romet president Wieslaw Grzyb is now preparing the company to take the next step on the export market, both for OEMs as well as the brand Romet.

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - The long-time experience in the production of city bikes for a leading Dutch brand, gave Bike Fun International (BFI) a strong position in the expanding urban mobility cycling market. Bike Europe talked with CEO René Gasser about the manufacturer's ambition to serve the central European markets as a leading distributor, but also how they can distinguish themselves as an OEM supplier.

HUTTWIL, Switzerland - The reorganisation plans for Flyer as announced last week by ZEG caused a big scratch on the image of the Swiss company which once stood at the forefront of the e-bike boom in Europe. Shortly before the announcement, CEO Andy Kessler discussed the inventory situation at Flyer and finding a way back to 'normal', but also their relationship with owner ZEG and the market dominance of Bosch during an interview with Bike Europe.