In January 2025, the French 2Ride Group announced that it would centrally manage and directly handle the distribution of Nolan and Shark helmets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland from that point onwards. This strategic reorientation affected the previous importers, hostettler ag (Sursee, LU) and Motoactive GmbH (Sumiswald, BE), both of which belong to the hostettler group, based in Sursee.
Following a period of direct sales in Switzerland, the distribution in Switzerland will once again be handled by hostettler ag. The specific requirements of the Swiss market, such as its status as a non-EU country with its own currency, independent customs system and multilingualism, mean that a local distribution network is necessary. Such characteristics can only be accommodated to a limited extent within a centrally organised European structure.
A strong signal for specialist retailers and customers
hostettler ag and the Swiss specialist retail sector greatly welcome the return of Shark and Nolan. Both brands are the perfect addition to hostettler ag’s existing range:
- Shark is synonymous with innovative helmets in the sports and racing sectors, with products positioned in the mid- to high-end price range. The brand is renowned for its technical excellence and for setting new design standards.
- Nolan impresses with its wide range of mid-priced products, which combine attractive design, modern engineering and the traditional ‘Made in Italy’ manufacturing quality.
A partnership with a long history
hostettler ag has a long-standing partnership with the Shark and Nolan brands. Its collaboration with Nolan dates back more than 30 years, to a time when the company was still family-owned and long before the 2Ride Group took it over. Shark has also been established within the hostettler group’s portfolio in several stages: until 2019, imports were handled by Philippe Coulon SA in western Switzerland. From 2020, Freidig Motoactive GmbH, another company within the hostettler group, took over sales and after-sales service. These responsibilities were subsequently carried on by the successor company, motoactive gmbh, and the Motochic division of hostettler ag – until the partnership was terminated by the 2Ride Group in January 2025. The return of Shark and Nolan to the hostettler group’s portfolio in November 2026 marks a full circle.
Peter Hostettler is delighted with the renewed distribution agreement: “This development clearly underlines the important role of importers and specialist brick-and-mortar retailers, particularly for products that require a high level of advice and service, such as motorcycling equipment. Even in the context of online retail, manufacturers and end customers continue to rely on strong local partners.”
