BERINGEN, Belgium - The acquisition of Nukeproof by Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF) as the company announced last week is a critical part of its long-term strategy plan called Horizon 2030. "Building a leading position on the MTB market is an essential part of our long-term vision," explains Belgian Cycling Factory CEO and owner Joachim Aerts. "With Nukeproof we have gained an important position in the market."

MUNICH, Germany - The integration of ergonomic bicycle component company SQlab into the Boards & More Group has been full completed. This process took three years to complete and includes SQlab's relocation to Oberhaching, where the Boards & More Group offices are located.

KETCHUM, USA - CrankTank, known in the bicycle industry as expert in digital marketing and e-commerce strategy, has invested in key staff to elevate its performance. Katie Middel has been hired as client success manager.

DULUTH, USA - The industry's ongoing channel inventory recalibration and, to a lesser extent, lower end-consumer demand are reflected in the 2024 results published by Fox Factory Holding Corp. Bicycle product sales under the Specialty Sports Group (SSG) umbrella were down in 2024 but briefly hiked by 8.3% in Q4.

DENKENDORF, Germany - In a strategic acquisition, Pinion owner Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), has acquired the FIT 2.0 business of Biketec GmbH from its owner, the German dealer cooperative, ZEG. The intention is to expand Pinion's portfolio in the core business of e-drives. The financial details of the BRP investment remains undisclosed.

PARIS, France - "The recall of the first-generation Angell e-bikes issued last year brought our adventure to an end despite all our efforts and the incredible work of all the employees, whom I am thinking of tonight." With these words, Marc Simoncini, founder of the French e-bike startup Angell, announced the end of a venture that had once aimed to change urban mobility.

REUTLINGEN, Germany - The 2024 business development of Robert Bosch GmbH was adversely affected by the fact that growth markets such as electromobility developed much more slowly than expected. While the company serves a wide range of industries, it regards their technologies for mobility, which includes e-bikes and homes of the future as key growth areas. Claus Fleischer, CEO Bosch eBike Systems highlights specific details on the e-bike market.

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.

OSAKA, Japan - The 2024 financial report of Shimano Inc. indicates a rebound in sales in the second half of last year. However, in more detail the results look less promising for the international bicycle industry. The revenue in Europe and Taiwan was still down by double digits and the main growth market was China where revenue increased by almost 60%. In the long-term Shimano remains positive on bicycle sales, but the bicycle component manufacturer also points to the potential impact of geopolitical developments.

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.

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.

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.

BENTONVILLE, USA - The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator has selected 10 innovative companies for its program from a broad pool of international applicants. These companies represent the cutting edge of cycling technology and innovation, from performance analytics platforms to e-bikes and custom manufacturing.

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.

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.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - As Scandinavia's primary tradeshow for both consumers and industry participants, the Copenhagen Bike Show 2025, continues to grow. Held in the first weekend of March, this year's edition set new records for both visitor and exhibitor numbers.

NEW DELHI, India - The Indian bicycle industry's quest for a global bicycle show may soon be realized as a new show has emerged on the horizon with all the signs of making it big in the future. The country's existing show, CFOSE which has been established over 14 editions appears to be making way for a new 'government-backed' event on India's bicycle event calendar.

FRANKFURT, Germany - Eurobike organiser fairnamic GmbH has expanded its leadership team by appointing Adrien Sockeel, an experienced professional from the bicycle and e-mobility industry, as the new head of sales.

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.

FRANKFURT, Germany - DJI was one of the biggest newcomers on the e-bike market last year creating a lot of rumor during the tradeshows. What makes the e-bike market so interesting for this leading manufacturer of drones which generates a multi-billion revenue? The introduction into the e-bike market was put in the hands of drone pilot and DJI Product Experience Director Ferdinand Wolf.

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.

ERKRATH, Germany - A long time coming, but Giant Deutschland GmbH has officially confirmed the appointment of a new managing mirector. As early as December 1, Alexander Gebert was appointed as the successor to Oliver Hensche, who will be available to the Giant Group in an advisory capacity until further notice. He had managed the company for 15 years.

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.

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.