Gilles Lapierre, former managing director of Cycles Lapierre, has broken his silence following the Dijon-based company's placement under judicial reorganisation. In a statement, he addresses the current situation of the brand, defends the record of his years at its helm and says he is prepared to contribute to a solution aimed at preserving both the company's activities and jobs.
Accell Group's bankruptcy has created significant uncertainty in the industry. Throughout the value chain, companies are closely following all developments around the potential takeover. September is the best time in Europe for retailers to decide which brands to offer in their shop next year and to order 2027 models. Retailers are now unsure what to do, as they can't wait too long.
hGears Schramberg GmbH has filed an application for insolvency proceedings under self-administration with the Local Court of Rottweil, Germany. According to a company statement, the aim is to advance the necessary restructuring of the Schramberg site within an orderly legal framework and to create the conditions for a viable structure for the future.
The relaunch of Austrian custom bike builder Simplon by Austrian SOL Capital Management GmbH in February 2025 appears to be failing. The company, now known as 2Rad Produktions GmbH, formerly Simplon Fahrrad GmbH, filed for insolvency proceedings without self-administration. Reopened claims from the previous insolvency proceedings appear to have been an insurmountable burden for the young company.
The trustees overseeing the bankruptcy of the Dutch Accell entities today launched an international sales process for the group, inviting potential buyers to bid for the business as a whole or in part. A back-stop agreement with an interested party covering all of Accell's bike brands is intended to provide business continuity while the sales process takes place.
The Amsterdam District Court has revoked the suspensions of payments of the Dutch Accell companies and simultaneously declared these companies bankrupt, the two court-appointed trustees announced Tuesday afternoon. The multiple attempts to keep the once giant of the bicycle industry afloat have failed, marking a dark day for the industry with ripple effects that will be felt across Europe. The scramble to secure a future for major brand including Koga, Batavus, Lapierre and Haibike is now underway.
