It was only in early November that it became known that Ghost Bikes, the long-established mountain bike manufacturer, was ceasing operations and selling off its remaining inventory of bicycles. Now, the industry portal MTB-News reports that the brand rights and intellectual property have been sold to Bike Tree. The company is part of the Singapore-based DuTech Group, which has already acquired the bicycle brands Haibike and Winora.

This could give Ghost a second chance under Asian leadership. However, this is an acquisition of the trademark rights and not a takeover of the existing business operations. Whether and in what form Ghost mountain bikes will be developed and produced again in the future remains to be seen. The industry magazine RadMarkt is also reporting on the change in ownership.

Swiss Rescue Attempt Failed

A report by SAZbike is particularly noteworthy. According to the report, the Swiss company Netcycle, based in Herisau, had attempted a takeover that would have included continuing operations and retaining employees.

However, the prospective buyer and the insolvency administrators offer differing accounts of why this rescue attempt failed. According to restructuring expert Martin Mucha, cited by SAZbike, the trademark rights had been pledged as collateral. The secured creditors reportedly did not pursue the Swiss offer. The insolvency administrators, on the other hand, stated that no binding and feasible offer had been presented.

A Traditional Brand Facing an Uncertain Future

Ghost was founded in Waldsassen, Bavaria, in 1993 and grew into an internationally renowned mountain bike brand. Most recently, the company was part of the Dutch Accell Group, which has itself been under considerable financial pressure for years.

The sale of the brand rights at least ensures the continued existence of the Ghost name. Whether this will lead to a successful revival of the brand or whether Ghost will exist in the future only as a private label remains to be seen.