ZEG's Georg Honkomp Denies Departure Rumors

COLOGNE, Germany--(25 May 2000)--Earlier today ZEG director Georg Honkomp sent a letter to the German buying organization's customers denying rumors that he is leaving the company. Honkomp, who has been with ZEG since April of 1986, admittedly rarely dirties his hands in rumors and hearsay. "As you know I usually don't react to unqualified reports in magazines," he wrote, referring to the recent report in the Germany trade magazine SAZbike claiming that the ZEG boss was leaving. For the past month rumors circulated within the European industry that Honkomp was heading for German bike maker Kettler. During a brief telephone conversation with Honkomp, he denied the rumor to Bike Europe. Equally shocked by the speculation were representatives at Kettler, who likewise denied the rumors to us. In the letter Honkomp also writes that "I don't regret a single day" and that last December he finalized another long-term contract with the German powerhouse. He signs off by thanking ZEG's members for their trust and stating "I am a ZEG man through and through." (JW)