"We are looking forward to the end of our partnership with Pierer," explains one of the managing directors of Syntace GmbH, Mike Hiendlmayer, to Ride. In 2022, the Austrian group Pierer Industrie AG took over 70 percent of Syntace from Stefan Pierer, who is primarily known for the motorcycle brand KTM. The remaining 30 percent remained with the Syntace founder, Jo Klieber. Last year, however, the complex Pierer group construct began to flounder. In November 2024, Pierer Industrie AG filed for European restructuring proceedings. This Thursday, the creditors approved this restructuring plan at the regional court in Wels, Upper Austria. It is the first such pre-insolvency proceedings in Austria, which will now run until 2027.

Return to the motorcycle business at KTM

Observers see this step as the first success on the road to saving the KTM motorcycle brand. However, it remains to be seen what will happen to the bicycle brands that the group has acquired in recent years. In addition to Syntace, Husqvarna, GasGas and Felt also belong to the Pierer conglomerate. It is important to note that the KTM bicycle brand, which is based in the same town as the KTM motorcycle brand, is an independent company that has nothing to do with the Pierer Group. 

Back to the Bavarian component and bicycle manufacturer Syntace: Managing Director Hiendlmayer also believes that the Pierer Group's future focus will be on saving the motorcycle division. For this reason, the Liteville forge is already looking for new partners who would ideally like to take over the 70 percent of Pierer Industrie AG. A buyback of shares by Syntace founder Klieber is also being considered, but is ultimately a question of money.

Syntace is building up its own sales structure again

First, however, the focus at Syntace is on a new sales network. This is because Pierer New Mobility, another company in the group network, had taken over sales, dealer network support and customer service for Liteville. However, in the wake of the economic turmoil, bicycle sales in Germany were completely dissolved in 2024 and have since been managed centrally from Austria. A big blow for the Liteville brand, which is based in Bavaria. "The dealers are nervous," says Hiendlmayer. Because there is a lack of new bikes at the moment. That's why Syntace is working hard to eliminate this problem, says the managing director: "We are trying to build up a new distribution network."

Until this is done, Hiendlmayer advises Syntace and Liteville customers to contact the company in Tacherting directly with any questions or concerns. The bikes will continue to be produced - now in Bulgaria - and the new models should also be available again shortly without restrictions. How much the 70 percent share, which would now be available again, will cost, however, is not revealed. In any case, Syntace founder Klieber is positive about the future. They will either continue "in a new, smaller constellation or with a strong partner at their side".

Links to the topic

• Liteville website
• Syntace website