Jo Beckendorff

PARIS, France - As reported by several Swiss media, Paris-based arbitration tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) handed down its verdict regarding Scott Sports SA (or Scott Sports Group) ownership. According to the ruling made on 6 February, Beat Zaugg, who is still co-owner of Swiss bike and winter sports supplier, is to cede his 47% stake in the company to majority owner Youngone Corporation.

HARD, Austria - Modular bike builder Simplon Fahrrad GmbH has successfully completed its restructuring process under self-administration. With the support of the previously announced new owner SOL Capital Management, Austria's second-largest bicycle manufacturer is now starting the upcoming cycling season in a stronger position.

NEUMARKT, Germany - Last December, Belgium-based European investment company Gimv NV acquired an undisclosed majority stake in German bicycle and outdoor lighting producer Lupine Lighting Systems GmbH.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Frame manufacturer Astro-Tech Co., Ltd. has clearly outlined its strategic direction for its future development initiative. Astro-Tech president Samuel Hu gave Bike Europe a look into what these plans entail, which includes the construction of a new production facility in Vietnam, where Astro-Tech has been producing frames for 24 years.

MATTIGHOFEN, Austria - The financial struggle at the motorcycle division of Pierer Mobility AG could not take place without having an impact on the e-bike department. The company has now announced that its regional activities in South Africa, Germany and the UK will gradually be wound down in a controlled manner.

FREIBURG, Germany - Bravobike GmbH, the subsidiary of leasing pioneer JobRad has signed an agreement with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH, which claims to be a "specialist for logistics real estate and light industry in Germany and Europe." The agreement will see Bravobike make use of a 23,500 sqm property in Kabelsketal, Germany to accommodate the strong growth in the number of ex-lease bicycles that will become available for the second-hand market in the coming years.

DRESDEN, Germany - The Management Board of online bicycle retailer Bike24 Holding AG has adjusted its revenue forecast for the 2024 financial year downwards. At the same time, the company confirms its previous forecast for the adjusted EBITDA margin "based on the indicative results for the fourth quarter of 2024".

GÜTERSLOH, Germany - Another well-known traditional company in the German bicycle industry is facing financial difficulties that can't be solved by themselves anymore. Both Sprick Cycle GmbH and its parent company Sprick Holding GmbH filed for provisional insolvency on 27 December, according to an announcement of the insolvency court.

TAOYUAN, Taiwan - Taiwan's specialty bike manufacturer Pacific Cycles Inc., is having to deal with great sadness. On 9 January, president Michael Lin passed away peacefully at the age of just 57.

BERLIN, Germany - Young urban e-bike mobility brand Lemmo, which was launched by Hypaths GmbH, celebrated its exhibition debut on the sporting goods show Ispo Munich 2024. In a small space at the Ispo BrandNew Hub in Hall B2, the newcomer put the spotlight on what it claims is a newly defined product in the city bike category.