Jo Beckendorff

SCHRAMBERG, Germany - When presenting its 2024 half-year figures, the high-precision gearbox parts and components manufacturer hGears AG took a cautious view of the financial year. Looking further ahead, the stock-listed company sees strong growth again in the medium term 'particularly in the e-bike and e-mobility business areas'.

GIVISIEZ, Switzerland - After Scott Sports Group majority owner Youngone Corporation dismissed longstanding CEO Beat Zaugg with immediate effect at the end of March they appointed investment banker Juwon Kim as his successor. This was the starting point for a power struggle between longtime industry expert Zaugg and Youngone. Now the dust seems to have settled with the appointment of a CEO duo.

DRESDEN, Germany - German online retailer Bike24 reports an increase its sales, but also its profitability and financial position in the second quarter this year. The stock listed company is looking positively into the future again despite persistent overcapacity in some areas and weak consumer sentiment.

DULUTH, USA - Fox Factory business division Specialty Sports Group (SSG), which includes bikes, was able to report a double-digit sales increase in the first half of 2024. Though this was mainly rooted in the acquisition of Marucci Sports, as bike sales dropped by $22.9 million (€21 million).

FRANKFURT, Germany - Apprenticeship years are not master years - Taiwan's electronics giant Darfon Electronics Corp. also learnt this when entering the European e-bike market. The first few years were difficult. Here and there adjustments by the quickly learning stock-listed company had to be made. This led to things significantly progressing in the last three years. Find out how here.

MUNICH, Germany - Due to dropping e-bike sales, German torque sensor maker NCTE AG had to swallow hard in the first half of 2024. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A whopping incoming order increase is keeping the stock-listed company optimistic about the future.

REGAU, Austria - The restructuring plan of the young bicycle and e-bike contract manufacturer WSF Bicycle Technology GmbH, which slipped into insolvency on April 24, has failed. Despite big ambitions, all assets are now being liquidated, the insolvency administrator Dr. Klaus Schiller confirmed to Bike Europe.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - French sporting goods chain store retail giant Decathlon has announced that it will cease its business operations in Sweden at the end of this month. "The current global economic situation and its impact on our activities in Sweden have forced us to sadly make this difficult decision," a Decathlon spokesperson told Bike Europe.

MAGSTADT, Germany - At the beginning of May, Merida & Centurion Germany GmbH (MCG) announced that Jürgen Falke, the long-standing CEO and co-founder of Merida R&D Center GmbH had left the company on 30 April for health reasons. After a short, serious illness and far too early 61year old Jürgen Falke passed away on 13 June.

WELS, Austria - As the momentum in Pierer Mobility AG's core motorbike markets in the US and Europe has slowed significantly in 2024, the Austrian two-wheeler giant announced the implementation of a comprehensive package of measures. It also includes a realignment of the bicycle division. Compared to 2023, the Austrians are now assuming a double-digit motorbike and e-bike sales drop.