BMZ acquires Austrian bicycle manufacturer Nox Cycles
BMZ Group, a global specialist in lithium-ion batteries, has announce that it acquired Nox Cycles Austria, all its sister companies in Germany and Switzerland, as well as the Hawk Bikes brand, mainly represented in Germany, including the DACH-Benelux license of the British premium eBike manufacturer Whyte Bikes, in the form of a strategic investment.
Both companies look back on a longstanding excellent business relationship. BMZ is both battery and motor supplier for the high-performance NOX e-mountain bikes as well as NOX distribution partner in stationary as well as online retail.
BMZ sees itself as a long-term partner to its OEM and Tier1 customers in the areas of development, supply and service – from customized battery solutions to the coordinated drive system for e-bikes. With the incorporation of Nox and Hawk, BMZ accesses many years of product development, manufacturing and market expertise in the eBike segments city, trekking and MTB.
CEO & Founder of BMZ Group Sven Bauer comments: “Through the strategic forward integration we intensify our know-how to further increase the enthusiasm for our BMZ products with innovative, customized solutions.”
Both companies attach importance to maintaining the economic independence of the bicycle group, which was previously solely owned by the Sommer family of entrepreneurs. In accordance with this requirement, the management, existing customers, core suppliers and employees remain unchanged.
Dipl.-Ing. Carsten Sommer, CEO, Nox Cycles, comments: “The establishment of our own eBike production in Tyrol since 2017 and the clear focus on ‘Made in Austria’ were courageous, but ultimately the demand has always proven us right.
With BMZ, we have now also been able to gain a long-term business partner as a permanent shareholder, whose long-term vision will enable us to scale production and sales even further.”
In early 2022 battery maker BMZ Group launched a ‘direct to customer’ eBike store. The online store offered eBikes which featured the latest components from BMZ, with the website launch announcement stating, “electric bikes from Nox Cycles will be offered here.” The announcement also highlighted that Nox Cycles brand produces its eBikes at a new production facility in Austria.