Statement from Harley-Davidson Cologne / Bonn on the judgment of the OLG Frankfurt am Main

Cologne/Bonn - January 27, 2022 // With its decision of 20.1.2022, the OLG Frankfurt obliges Harley-Davidson first of all to continue to fulfill its contractual obligations - and to support our cities of Cologne and Bonn to be able to continue serving customers as an authorized specialist retailer in every respect, as we have done successfully and without complaint for many years. This sends out a clear signal.

We will not deny that we received the OLG's decision with great relief and satisfaction - but the bottom line is that we hope for many reasons that this will also pave the way for a more objective discussion and decisions with our long-standing licensor. And ultimately enable us to plan for the future again. In any case, our hand remains outstretched and the door remains open.

At present, this decision means that our orders for new Bikes and (spare) parts can be carried out unhindered, software and systems are accessible and the overall supply is ensured - and thus seamless, local service for Harley drivers from the entire metropolitan area is guaranteed. Cologne/Bonn. This is very important to us.

At the same time, it is very important to us that almost 50 jobs in our companies, in which strong, committed, brand-loving and competent employees and trainees from many nations work, are now a good deal more secure and have a new perspective.

And last but not least, we hope that the OLG decision will also sharpen the sense of responsibility and sense of proportion of those who express themselves in the „social media“ - with the consequence, among other things, that completely uninvolved persons are insulted, abused and persecuted in the private sphere - even if it is only on the basis of a coincidental name match.

Daniela Kierdorf and Jan Schneider (responsible managing directors in Cologne and Bonn) concluded: „The OLG Frankfurt has laid the foundation for finally getting out of a situation that actually only knew losers, both internally and externally, and creating a new beginning that could benefit everyone. Especially the Harley-Davidson brand and its many friends in the Rhineland, who are also our customers. This can be achieved quickly and successfully if we work together, think and act in a solution-oriented manner - and finally leave the „us against them“ loop. The requirements have now been outlined by the OLG. Both sides should recognize this - and use it to make a fresh start.“

Text: Harley-Davidson Cologne 28.01.2022