For some, Andreas "Acki" Ackermann is a visionary who has revitalized the Swiss bike industry with new business models. For others, he is a self-promoter who cannot always deliver what he promises. He credits himself with founding over 30 companies in several sectors and offers services as a hypnotherapist, among other things.

But what about Bikebox? Ride has been researching its development for some time. At some point, the Berner Zeitung became aware of the case. It published the results yesterday. As public commercial register data shows, the companies behind the Bikebox stores until 2024 were first transferred to the canton of Zug, then renamed and sent into bankruptcy proceedings days later.

Bikebox becomes Bikefox - stores keep old names

However, a newly founded Bikefox AG had already taken over the locations beforehand. This was legally correct, according to the bankruptcy office of the Canton of Zug, which is handling the proceedings against the old companies. Ackermann himself says that the whole thing is a restructuring in order to be able to continue operating the Bikebox stores. He has found a solution with all suppliers.

In a message on the Bikebox website, Michelle Schläpfer, President of the Board of Directors of Bikefox AG, emphasizes that her company is neither in financial difficulties nor affected by the business performance of the predecessor company.

Ackermann stresses that no supplier is speaking badly about him or Bikebox. This was confirmed by Ride's research. Only a former employee of a company active in the Swiss bike industry has quantified debts, but without providing any evidence. The report in the Berner Zeitung also provides no evidence of legally relevant misconduct, only suspicions.

A number of former employees of companies from the old Bikebox Group, on the other hand, have made allegations. Ackermann has promised Ride a meeting in which he will explain how he intends to restructure the chain of stores - which will continue to operate under the old Bikebox name - and what it took to do so. The meeting is due to take place in the next few days.

Bikebox website: bikebox.ch