Approximately 60 companies have expressed interest in acquiring bicycle brands owned by the bankrupt Dutch firm Accell Group, which include Haibike, Ghost, Winora, Koga, Lapierre, Babboe, and Raleigh, as reported by the German newspaper Bild.
Initially, 103 interested parties were granted access to the company’s data, but this number has narrowed down to about 60 purchase offers. This significant interest indicates a strong potential for new ownership.
Accell Group is recognized as a European leader in the e-bike market and the second-largest supplier of bicycle parts and accessories. The management aims to sell the entire company or its major segments without breaking it apart. The group also encompasses logistics, spare parts warehouses, IT systems, and sales structures across various countries.
What Led to the Bicycle Manufacturer’s Downfall?
The reason for the bankruptcy lies in the drastic shift in demand post-pandemic, which left warehouses filled but led to a rapid decline in sales, ultimately rendering the bicycle giant insolvent. At the time of the bankruptcy announcement, Accell Group employed about 1,900 staff globally.
The number of jobs that can be preserved will depend on the ongoing sales process and restructuring efforts. In Germany, approximately 370 employees from Accell Germany, Winora Staiger, Ghost-Bikes, and Engelbert Wiener Bike Parts are directly affected by the bankruptcy proceedings.
Inventory Worth Millions
At the time of the bankruptcy announcement, the company had bicycles valued at approximately €47.8 million and accessories worth €38.6 million in stock.
To avoid selling these assets at a loss, sales are continuing through existing distribution channels. Operations in the Netherlands are maintained by 65 employees, down from the previous 344.
Evaluating Interested Buyers
Currently, the selection process among the candidates is ongoing, as noted by Tour-Magazin. Two primary companies mentioned publicly are Quanta Capital from Ireland and DuTech Holdings. German subsidiaries, including Accell Germany, Winora Staiger, and Ghost-Bikes, are also seeking investors while undergoing bankruptcy proceedings under self-administration.
Numerous negotiations are taking place as the situation evolves. Bankruptcy proceedings for the German companies are expected to open on November 1, 2026, according to a spokesperson from Grub Brugger, which is assisting the German subsidiaries with restructuring efforts.
