Scott Sports SA has bought the Bergamont bicycle business from Swiss bike maker BMC Group Holding AG, which is in the midst of a major restructuring.
The companies said BMC Group Holding AG divested Bergamont Fahrrad Vertrieb GmbH, including all of the company's Swiss assets, as part of a strategic reorganization that seeks to focus both BMC Switzerland AG and myStromer AG on the sport cycling segments. Scott Sports, which is based in Zurich, said Bergamont's sales have doubled since BMC acquired its interest in the company in 2008. The brand is very profitable and well positioned, Scott Sports said in a release issued June 24.
The deal will broaden Scott Sports SA's already sizeable bike portfolio.
“A well established and successful brand like Bergamont fits perfectly within the existing bike portfolio of the Scott group,” declared Beat Zaugg, CEO of Scott Sports SA. “Particularly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland we expect lots of positive synergies.”
The companies did not disclose the purchase price. Stefan Berkes, founder and GM of Bergamont will leave the company after a transitional period, after which he will remain available on a consulting basis. Going forward Bergamont will be managed by Martin Eberle (Head of Product Development) and Wolfgang Winkler (Administration/Finance) together with a new sales manager under the umbrella of the Scott group. Stefan Schär will continue to manage Swiss distribution.
“Scott Sports SA, as a well-established company within the bike and
sporting industry is an ideal partner for Bergamont Fahrrad Vertrieb
GmbH,“ said Thomas Binggeli, who is spearheading BMC's turnaround as president of the board of BMC Group Holding
AG.
