Accell Group N.V. said during the General Meeting of Shareholders that sales in the first months of 2007 exceeded those in the same period of 2006 for all three product groups: bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories, and fitness.
The increase of sales was primarily attributable to the higher level of sales of bicycles, bicycle parts and
accessories. The relatively high temperatures and the dry weather in the first months of 2007 have
contributed to this. Accell Group also benefited from its deliberate decision to maintain higher stocks of
end-products and certain strategic parts. The warm weather did mean that turnover in fitness equipment
increased less due to the fact that these products are mostly used indoors.
Early 2007 Accell Group announced the acquisition of Brasseur, a trading company that is active in
bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories in the French-speaking region of Belgium. The completion of this
acquisition has been effected. Consolidation takes place as from 1 April 2007.
For the whole of 2007, turnover and operating results are expected to show a further increase. Accell
Group aims to further specify its expectations when the first-half results are published on 20 July 2007.
René Takens, Chairman of the Executive Board of Accell Group: In addition to the positive influence
of the exceptional weather in the first months of 2007 and our strategy to maintain higher stocks of
certain products, Accell Group is taking advantage of the increasing demand for electric bicycles in
Europe. Our various electrically supported bicycle models of Sparta, Batavus and Koga in the
Netherlands and Hercules in Germany are much in demand of dealers and consumers. Also, the
introduction by Batavus of the first bicycles with a stepless gear changing system has been successful.
The outlook for the full year remains positive.
