NEUMARKT, Germany - Last December, Belgium-based European investment company Gimv NV acquired an undisclosed majority stake in German bicycle and outdoor lighting producer Lupine Lighting Systems GmbH.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - "Data is the missing piece of the narrative, and there is a basic need for standardisation in the bicycle industry," declared speaker Bartek Czerwinski during the Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) hosted webinar on Digital Solutions for the Cycling Industry. Here, newcomers in the industry explained their ideas for creating a level playing field to bring the bike industry up to a digital level in line with its automotive counterpart.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The number of new product introductions on tradeshows has always been a leading indicator of business performance. After some years of an extremely low level of new product introductions, the number of participants for the 2025 Taipei Cycle awards is growing again, marking an important development.

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.

BENTONVILLE, USA - Open to companies based in North America, Europe, and Asia, an innovative program dedicated to promoting 10 tech startups focused on cycling has been initiated by the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA). The accelerator will offer a 10-week hybrid program designed to support cycling-related tech innovation.

GÜTERSLOH, Germany - Another well-known traditional company in the German bicycle industry is facing financial difficulties that can't be solved by themselves anymore. Both Sprick Cycle GmbH and its parent company Sprick Holding GmbH filed for provisional insolvency on 27 December, according to an announcement of the insolvency court.

ARHUS, Denmark - Promovec Group A/S, supplier of e-bikes and drive systems, has acquired the remaining 25% of battery manufacturer Viridus Manufacturing A/S. This acquisition marks the end of the joint venture partnership with Chinese company Greenway.

TERNDRUP, Denmark - As part of its continued growth investments, Danish online bike retailer Cykelgear, has merged with fellow Danish e-commerce business, Cykelpartner. Although the agreement unites the two online platforms under the same corporate group, both will continue to operate as independent brands in Denmark. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

ASOLO, Italy - Selle Italia has acquired Vittoria cycling shoes, which has been developing and manufacturing cycling shoes in Italy for almost fifty years, for an undisclosed amount. Giuseppe Bigolin, President of Selle Italia, "As we did in 2016 with Selle San Marco, we are gearing up to expand our range with a company that has always believed in technological development, in style and in the Made in Italy brand. Just like us."

VIENNA, Austria - After a three-month restructuring process a new investor has secured the successful restart of Austrian custom-bike builder, Simplon. SOL Capital Management GmbH announced an undisclosed capital injection by one of its funds securing the future of the bike manufacturer.

LILLE, France - Decathlon Pulse, the investment arm and start-up studio of retail giant Decathlon, and Rebike, well known in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) for the refurbishment and sale of second-hand e-bikes, have teamed-up through an investment to boost refurbished e-bike sales in Europe.

DHAKA, Bangladesh - Known as a manufacturer of textiles, garments, lingerie and chemicals, Panam Group diversified into the production of bicycles a year ago. The company is keen to expand into newer sectors and found bicycle production and its exports a potential area thanks to the favourable duty structure for Bangladesh-based bicycle exporters to the European Union (EU).

DHAKA, Bangladesh - A growing number of suppliers of bicycles and various components to the European market have recently invested in production in Bangladesh. The country is already home to a few key global bicycle joint ventures. Now other Asian suppliers to Europe are also investing into production facilities considering low cost of production like low labor costs and duty exemptions for exports to Europe.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - The Velofollies is known as the trade and consumer show which kicks-off the season, often in a positive mood. Whether this is realistic at the moment is a big question, given the problems in the industry. The great enthusiasm of almost 40,000 visitors ensured that the exhibitors dared to be cautiously positive about the 2025 market again.

LAS VEGAS, US - At CES 2025 e-bike manufacturers showcased more than just sleek frames and high-tech gadgets. With Europe's e-bike market still expanding, brands from across the globe exhibiting at CES, like Engwe, Heybike, Himiway, and newcomers like Urtopia all shared a common goal— investing in entering the European market.

PARIS, France - A new event for the cycling industry will gather senior leaders, HR professionals, communications experts, and decision-makers to address the gender equity gap in the cycling workforce. The first event in the Summit Series being held in Paris, 25-27 March will also discuss how the cycling industry can attract, support and develop more women.

The Taipei Cycle Show returns from March 26 to 29, 2025, at halls 1 and 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Recognized as a leading B2B event in the cycling industry, the show is expected to host 950 companies from 35 countries, occupying 3,600 booths. It remains a key meeting point for high-end bicycle supply chains, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

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.

VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands - Darfon, announced the appointment of René Timmermans as European-based director of OEM/ODM, effective immediately. In this role, René will be responsible for the management of all commercial matters involving Darfon Energy, Astro Tech and Kenstone, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership experience to the team.

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - Marek Sebek has been appointed as new sales director by bicycle manufacturer Bike Fun International (BFI). Prior to arriving at BFI, Sebek spent the past eight years at Trek Bicycle in Switzerland, including a five-and-a-half-year stint as head of sales. Sebek has been tasked with strengthening the position of BFI's brands in the local Czech and Slovakian markets, while growing its presence internationally.

TAOYUAN, Taiwan - Taiwan's specialty bike manufacturer Pacific Cycles Inc., is having to deal with great sadness. On 9 January, president Michael Lin passed away peacefully at the age of just 57.

BERLIN, January - NOCA, the Berlin-based software company pioneering master data management for the cycling industry, has added Christian Koll-Schwarze to its team as Business Development Lead. With more than 20 years of experience in the cycling industry, his role will involve positioning NOCA to transform the way cycling businesses manage their data in the OEM and aftermarket.