Jan-Willem van Schaik

HOOFDDORP, the Netherlands - The take-over of Accell Group by KKR and Teslin has entered a new stage now it will be delisted from Euronext Amsterdam as of 22 August 2022. Accell Group will be converted into a private company with limited liability (B.V.). The company also received its first credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings and Moody's.

COLOGNE, Germany - In a public statement, Europe's largest dealer cooperative ZEG, made a strong statement in favour of brick-and-mortar distribution. According to ZEG, "the current trend to focus on more online distribution by well-known brands poses a considerable threat and hazard to specialist dealers."

TAIPEI, Taiwan - In the first four months of 2022, the export of bicycles, e-bikes and bicycle components from Taiwan is showing a strong growth. This was report by the Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) during the new product launch event at Eurobike last week.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - As one of the most important speed-pedelec markets in the European Union, the industry was rather worried about the sluggish sales last winter in Belgium. Nevertheless the market picked up in spring and recorded a growth of 26.2% in the first half year-on year.

DENVER, USA - In June 2023 the inaugural edition of the first US e-bike trade show is scheduled to take place in the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Now sales of e-bikes have finally picked-up as well, the market is ready for an e-bike focused event.

FRANKFURT, Germany - The start of the new Eurobike concept and relocation to the city of Frankfurt am Main was probably an even bigger success than expected by Fairnamics, the new organiser of Eurobike. While the industry rides the high waves of the cycling boom and many voiced their appreciation over the new show location, a lot of industry insiders also expressed worries due to battery shortages.

AGUEDA, Portugal - The joint booth of the Portuguese bicycle industry at Eurobike last week reflected the positive vibe of the country's industry. A prototype on display was entirely built with high-end components, which except for the tyres were all 'made in Portugal'. At the same time, ABIMOTA, announced a record export level for May.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Ahead of the lifting of the COVID-related entry restrictions by the Taiwanese authorities, the organisers of Taichung Bike Week announced that the industry event will take place again this September.

FRANKFURT, Germany - Eurobike 2022 marked the start of the bicycle tyre recycling program of Schwalbe. As the first bicycle tyre manufacturer worldwide, Schwalbe and its cooperation with the Technical University of Cologne and Pyrum Innovations have succeeded in developing an innovative and holistic tyre recycling process.

FRANKFURT, Germany - The timing and location of the industry's leading show Eurobike has been a topic for discussions for many years. The announcement last year to relocate the show to Frankfurt and move the time window to June/July seems to have come at the right moment.