Mike O'Connor
Italian bicycle manufacturer Bianchi has entered a court-supervised restructuring process as it looks to address estimated liabilities of around €100 million.
The move, first reported by Escape Collective, was confirmed by court documents obtained by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, which show that Bianchi applied for creditor protection on September 30. The Court of Bergamo approved the application on October 16.
The protection initially runs for four months from the date of application, although it can be extended. During this period, creditors are prevented from seizing company assets, including factory equipment, bank accounts and inventory.
Restructuring of this kind is intended to give a company time and legal protection to negotiate with creditors, rather than immediately proceeding to liquidation.
At the same time, the court has also appointed Eugenio Bissocoli to oversee negotiations between Bianchi and its lenders, with the aim of developing a debt repayment plan.
According to the company’s most recent annual financial report, covering the 2024 financial year, its liabilities are estimated at approximately €100 million (around $160 million).
Bianchi is owned by Sweden-based Cycleurope/Grimaldi Industries, which is funding the restructuring efforts.
The financial difficulties follow a period of significant investment, including the opening of a new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Treviglio, Italy, in 2024.
The company has also recently lost its WorldTour racing partnership with Bahrain Victorious. The team announced this week that Factor would replace Bianchi as its bicycle supplier for the 2027 season, following just one year with the Italian brand.
Founded in Milan in 1885 by 20-year-old mechanic Edoardo Bianchi, the company is one of cycling’s oldest and most recognisable manufacturers. Its history includes a period under Piaggio ownership in the early 1990s, before becoming part of the Grimaldi Group in 1997.
The group also owns several other bicycle brands, including Gitane, Monark, Puch, Crescent and Kildemoes.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
