Volkswagen Financial Services has acquired a 49% stake in Pon Holdings' Bike Mobility Services to boost its bicycle leasing operations in Europe and the U.S.

Information on the Target

Bike Mobility Services (BMS), a subsidiary of Pon Holdings, stands as Europe's leading company in bicycle leasing, operating across six countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, and recently, the United States. Currently, BMS provides company bicycles to over 600,000 employees across 65,000 businesses, ranging from large corporations to SMEs. Notably, 90% of the leased bicycles are electric, delivered and maintained through a network of 8,000 bicycle dealers. BMS operates under various brands, including BusinessBike, Lease a Bike, and B2Bike, and has successfully collaborated with Volkswagen Financial Services (VW FS) in Germany for over three years.

Industry Overview in Germany

Germany leads the bicycle leasing market, which has become a successful model for employee motivation and sustainability. By leasing bicycles, particularly e-bikes, companies enable all employees to access alternative commuting options. Businesses of all sizes, from freelancers to large corporations and public sector entities, are now offering service bicycles to their staff. This initiative not only alleviates traffic congestion and reduces emissions but also promotes employee health. The significant investments from national and local governments in cycling infrastructure and mobility solutions contribute to the rapid growth of bicycle leasing across various European markets, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia, the UK, and France. The European market potential for bicycle leasing is estimated at €10 billion by 2028.

The growth potential in the United States is also considerable, as cities and states heavily invest in cycling infrastructure. BMS has recently opened its first U.S. location in San Francisco and has secur