Jan-Willem van Schaik

ROMILLY SUR SEINE, France - The operation of Cycleurope Group and Grimaldi Industri AB in France will be taken-over by the Rebirth Holding SAS as of 7 October. In a short announcement Cycleurope reports the transfer of 100% ownership to Rebirth Holding SAS for an undisclosed amount.

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Accell Group reached an agreement with a majority of its financial stakeholders and could improve its financial position. The transaction will lead to a reduction of Accell Group's debt by approximately €600 million, or around 40% of the total debt, from approximately €1.4 billion.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The lack of one central organiser of Taichung Bike Week might turn out to become the biggest hurdle for the event to overcome the current problems in the bicycle industry. Three hotels in Taichung's business district open up their rooms and banquet halls for exhibitors who invite their customers to come over. For the rest it is wait and see. This means a solid foundation and future vision for TBW are lacking.

TAINAN, Taiwan - For Kind Shock the LEV Circuit wireless dropper seat post, presented at Eurobike, is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for cables and internal routing, streamlining bike design and reducing maintenance.

MEINERZHAGEN, Germany - It was announced as a revolution in bicycle headlights by Busch+Müller: the Briq-XL reacts to the lean of the handlebar in a progressive sequence to provide a magnificent illumination of the bend while riding the curve.

LONDON, UK - Award-winning e-bike brand Gocycle has started a crowdfunding campaign to launch its new range of urban folding bikes. Founder and CEO of Gocycle owner Karbon Kinetics Ltd Richard Thorpe explains why he turned to this tentative way of funding, having founded the company already in 2002. "Institutional capital has fled most industries including bike companies, as well as small innovators like Gocycle."

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The slow start of the annual Taichung Bike Week reflects the overall mood in the market. The inventory situation is still delaying product innovations and the development of new models. Over the past years the market has moved away from the annual model year cycles. All of this combined makes attending an annual sourcing show like Taichung Bike Week less relevant for product managers.

BERINGEN, Belgium - To extend its European sales network Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF) has been reviewing its business model and market strategy as part of a major expansion of its business. As owner of brands like Ridley Bikes and Eddy Merckx the company wrote a 'book of promises' for current and future retail partners to clarify this new strategy.

MISANO ADRIATICO, Italy - The seventh edition of the Italian Bike Festival (IBF) emphasised its position as an international show for the cycling industry in Italy. After Padova, Verona and Milan, the industry has found a new opportunity to present itself at the Misano World Circuit.

MUNICH, Germany - Jack Brandsen is taking over the role of chief strategy officer (CSO) Europe at Gobao effective immediately. In his position, he will drive the strategic direction of the company in the European market. Brandsen brings over 15 years of experience in the bicycle industry and has successfully built numerous brands in the e-mobility sector.