International
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (BRAIN) — The Malaysia government has ordered a COVID-19 lockdown to continue at least until June 28, extending the closure of bike factories there by at least another two weeks.
![2007 BRAIN photo by Matt Wiebe. 2007 BRAIN photo by Matt Wiebe.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/1198168169shimano_wheelbuilding.jpeg?itok=2weRVDV9)
OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — Shimano's factory in Malaysia will be completely closed until at least June 14 due to an official COVID-19 mandate. Since June 1, the factory had been allowed to operate at 60% capacity.
CHICAGO (BRAIN) — Germany-based Abus has reached an agreement to acquire Italian helmet manufacturer Maxi Studio S.R.L. Abus and Maxi Studio have worked together since 2016; Maxi Studio manufactures several of ABUS's premier helmet models.
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CAMBIAGO, Italy (BRAIN) — A custom-painted Colnago C64 frameset that you can take home and ride and admire will cost you about $6,300.
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/strom.jpeg?itok=_n16A32J)
FRANKFURT, Germany (BRAIN) — Naxicap Partners, a European private equity firm, has reached an agreement to acquire Stromer, the Swiss-based e-bike brand. Details of the agreement were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary approvals.
LONDON (BRAIN) — Jeff Weiss, a veteran of Dorel Sports, Trek Bicycle and Saris Cycling, is joining India's Hero International as the CEO with responsibility for EU and UK sales.
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POZZOLEONE, Italy (BRAIN) — Selle Royal S.p.A., — which produces and markets saddles and accessories under the Selle Royal, Fizik, Crank Brothers, Brooks and PedalEd brands — has received a major investment from the Wisequity V Fund. The fund has acquired a one-third share in the company.
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TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Giant Group saw sales of NT$20.63 billion ($740 million) in its first quarter, a 54.8% increase over the same period last year. The company's net income grew 170% to NT$1.7 billion with an earnings per share of NT$4.54.
![The 29er Sensa Fiori Evo SL in three size was among the frames stolen. The 29er Sensa Fiori Evo SL in three size was among the frames stolen.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/3-fm816fiorievosl.png?itok=4Gik0gWW)
ALMELO, Netherlands (BRAIN) — Thieves stole hundreds of components and several carbon fiber mountain bike frames from one of Sensa Bikes' warehouses recently.
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OLDENZAAL, Netherlands (BRAIN) — A. Dugast, a Dutch brand famous for its handmade cyclocross tubular tires, is joining the Vittoria Group, the company announced Tuesday.
![Tobias and Annette Hild. SQLab photo. Tobias and Annette Hild. SQLab photo.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/tobias_annette_hild.jpg?itok=tuEZjlyj)
Boards & More is a leading kiteboarding, windsurfing, wingfoil, and stand-up paddling supplier that also owns Ion, a mountain bike apparel brand. SQLab makes saddles, shoe insoles, grips and handlebars.
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OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — Shimano sales in its bike division were up 76.3% in the first quarter, compared to the same period last year; operating income in the division was up 170%.
![Tigers Global Logistics Thurrock Center. Tigers Global Logistics Thurrock Center.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/tigers_thurrock_centre.jpeg?itok=0mDgI0Po)
SQUAMISH, British Columbia (BRAIN) — 7mesh Cycling Apparel opened a new distribution center in the United Kingdom.
![Simon Richardson. Simon Richardson.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/simon_richardson.jpg?itok=T7kuA6Iy)
HENLEY-ON-THE-THAMES, England (BRAIN) — Endura Sales Manager Simon Richardson was killed in a bike accident here on Sunday. He was 58.
![Falcon AR46 Disc wheelset. Falcon AR46 Disc wheelset.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/ar46_dt240_eu.jpg?itok=JCV0ScZA)
XIAMEN, China (BRAIN) — Carbon wheelset manufacturer Light Bicycle responded to increased demand in the past year by opening a warehouse in France, which will handle orders in the European Union.
SAN VENDEMIANO, Italy (BRAIN) — PM&Partners SGR, an Italian private equity company, has become the majority shareholder in Cytech, the parent company of Elastic Interface and other cycling brands.
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TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Giant Group is reporting that its sales last year were up 10.3% over 2019, to NT$70.01 billion ($2.45 billion). Net profit was up 46.7%, to NT$4.95 billion. Earnings per share was NT$13.19.
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ŠUMPERK, Czech Republic (BRAIN) — The Hermann Hartje KG e-bike distributorship opened a new factory in the Czech Republic to expand its assembly and manufacturing capabilities.
![Photo by Daisy Chen on Unsplash. Photo by Daisy Chen on Unsplash.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/daisy-chen-z76v0yplh68-unsplash.jpg?itok=R9eKFxNL)
TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Three years ago, social media feeds filled with colorful, striking images of abandoned share bikes in China, piled into teetering mountains. They shocked the world, or at least inspired use of "shocked" emojis for a few hours.