Ride: Will you tell us what Thömus is paying for Bike World?

Thömu Binggeli: No, we have agreed not to disclose this information. 

What does Thömus AG expect to gain from the purchase of 12 Bike World branches?

It is a perfect addition to our family SME. Up to now, we have mainly been active in development, production and bicycle construction. The takeover gives us more reach and sales opportunities.

But there are already Thömus stores in various regions.

In Zurich, for example, we only have a small service hub. In other regions - such as eastern Switzerland or the Basel area - we don't yet have a presence. Thanks to the takeover, we can offer our bikes and our service in large parts of Switzerland.

Are you also concerned with preventing the liquidation of Bike World?

I am very keen to ensure that the many bike-loving employees continue to be employed. And it is positive for our cycling country that there is a Swiss solution. But in the end, after an in-depth analysis, we decided in favor of the takeover because Thömus and Bike World complement each other perfectly.

Did you have competition from other companies that wanted to take over Bike World?

We weren't the only ones. I can't say any more about that.

The industry is trembling at the prospect of a massive sell-off in the 16 and soon to be 14 Bike World stores. Are you doing anything about it?

The management of Bike World will remain with Migros until February 1. But we have agreed on how sales will be organized. Migros and Thömus have a shared interest in ensuring that the "Bike World" brand can maintain its good positioning.

What will happen in the Bike World stores until the reopening?

The stores will remain open in their current form until February 1, 2025. Then we will rebuild and reopen on March 1.

Thömus AG is roughly doubling its workforce by taking over the more than 130 employees of Bike World. Why this massive expansion while the bike market is shrinking?

We're not quite doubling, Thömus has slightly more employees than Bike World. But it is without question a big step, which we have considered carefully and which we are approaching with a great deal of respect. It's also tough for us after a few good years. But it is precisely in times like these that you have to invest in your core business. We are convinced that this expansion of our reach has come at exactly the right time for us as an innovative bike manufacturer.

How will Thömus Bike World differ from Migros Bike World?

We will be developing the concept over the next few months. We will be talking to manufacturers and suppliers. As at our current locations, we want to offer customers a shopping experience with community offers for bike enthusiasts, a professional workshop, a wide range of testing options or additional services such as bike fittings and performance tests.

Will there also be changes in the Thömus stores?

This is part of the concept. We will now start planning this redesign. One thing is certain: we  want to continue to be a meeting place for bike enthusiasts where they receive a personal service.