BEVERWIJK, The Netherlands - Dutch e-bike and electric cargo bike manufacturer Optima Cycles has acquired compatriot Dolly Bikes, which focuses on the high-end e-cargobike segment. With this strategic acquisition, Optima Cycles, known for the brands Dutch ID and Lovens, aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing electric cargo bike market and create new growth opportunities.
UPPLANDS VÄSBY, Sweden - With the complete takeover of Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins Racing AB, Italian brake expert Brembo is making the largest acquisition in the company's history, according to its own statements. Öhlins had been part of US automotive supplier Tenneco Inc. since the end of 2018. Subject to the usual regulatory approvals, the takeover, which was announced on 11 October, is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2025.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - Dutch fatbike manufacturers are experiencing a drastic decline in demand following the uproar surrounding e-bikes with fat tyres in the country. Phatfour's sales in its home market are currently about 75% lower than last year. Local competitor, Urban Mobility, the company behind Doppio, recently filed for bankruptcy. Can export markets offer a saviour for Dutch fatbike bands?
ROMILLY-SUR-SEINE, France - Grégory Trébaol, founder of the Rebirth Group, has become the new owner of Cycleurope Industries SAS based in Romilly-sur-Seine, France after the Grimaldi Group decided to divest this unit. In this interview with Bike Europe, the executive explains why he wanted to acquire Cycleurope's factory in France. He also discusses the strategy and investments planned for the next two years.
GURUGRAM, India - E-bike and e-scooter manufacturer Hero Electric is entering a troubling phase as its dealers seek settlement of pending dues equivalent to around INR 5 billion (€270 million).
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Finalising the trade agreements currently under negotiation is one of the tasks of the next Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic. The agreements with Malaysia and Thailand will certainly be part of that commitment. The best-known company in the bicycle industry based in Thailand is Vittoria while Malaysia is the home of Shimano's supplier Kwang Li Industry.
DHAKA, Bangladesh - A growing number of suppliers of bicycles and various components to the European market have recently invested in production in Bangladesh. The country is already home to a few key global bicycle joint ventures. Now other Asian suppliers to Europe are also investing into production facilities considering low cost of production like low labor costs and duty exemptions for exports to Europe.
APELDOORN, the Netherlands - To step up Merida's presence, the Benelux distributor of the Taiwanese manufacturer has expanded into Denmark as the official importer for this country. This strategic move strengthens Merida's foothold in the Scandinavian region, furthering the brand's commitment to delivering high-quality bikes and cycling gear to a wider audience.
BARCELONA, Spain - The strategy to concentrate on 'Powered Two-Wheelers' by Pierer Mobility AG led to the announcement to part ways with its pure bicycle and e-bikes brands Felt Bicycles and R Raymon. The company wanted to focus on motorcycles and e-bikes including the brands Husqvarna and GasGas E-Bicycles. After the publication of this new strategy, it turned out that Felt Bicycles was still somehow part of Pierer Mobility. To shed some light on the situation, Bike Europe sat down with Felt Bicycles managing director Florian Burguet.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Over the first nine months of 2024, registrations of second-hand speed pedelecs in Belgium increased by +17.4% compared to the same period in 2023, and by +39.3% compared to 2022, according to figures released by trade association Traxio. However, for new speed pedelecs a reverse trend is seen as sales dropped 17.9% compared to 2023.
BAD URACH, Germany - As German Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG announced back in spring 2024, it intends to significantly strengthen its innovative power as part of the future-oriented strategic restructuring of Magura parent company Magenwirth Technologies GmbH (MWT). In this context innovation- and development-oriented Ingo Beutner was hired as additional managing director to the Magura management board.
