Accell Group Changes Management at subsidiaries Batavus, Sparta and Fitness Division

HEERENVEEN - Last Tuesay, Accell Group announced major changes to the boards of its subsidiaries Batavus, Sparta and the fitness division. Accell CEO René Takens reported to Bike Europe that the measures are primarily motivated by the disappointing interim results of the fitness division.

The changes mean that the current Batavus MD - Rob Beset - will be responsible for the suffering fitness division from September 1. His task at Batavus is taken over by Huub Snellen (photo). Snellen is currently CEO of Sparta. Accell informed all its subsidiaries yesterday afternoon with a statement that says: "As from today Huub Snellen is as general manager responsible for both Batavus and Sparta."

To Bike Europe Takens clarified that the appointment of Huub Snellen in no way means that Batavus and Sparta are merged. The Accell CEO emphasized that both bike factories continue as independent companies. Takens further noted: "The changes were prompted by the interim results of fitness division and the rather fierce reactions from the financial world on it. With that in  mind the decision was made to appoint Rob Beset general manager with as main assignment the improvement of the results of the fitness division."

Accell has been struggling for several years with problems in its fitness division. Problems that are getting worse and during the first half of 2011 resulted in a 33% drop in turnover. The fitness business currently accounts for only 3% of the total Accell Group turnover and totaled 10 million euro during the first six months of this year.

From the words of CEO Takens it becomes clear that the appointment of Rob Beset is foremost an ultimate attempt to get the fitness division back on track rather than the consequence of disappointing Batavus results during the first six months of  this year.