Interbike Names Former Trade Show Exhibitors in Antitrust Suit

Interbike, which produces bicycle industry trade shows, has sued a number of former exhibitors alleging antitrust violations in connection with the creation a new, competing expo.

Interbike, based in Newport Beach, hosts trade shows in Anaheim and Philadelphia. The company alleges that Schwinn Cycling & Fitness Inc., Yakima Products Inc. and several other manufacturers violated antitrust laws last year when they organized the competing Bicycle Industry Organization trade show and allegedly pressured other manufacturers to skip Interbike’s annual events.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, alleges that the manufacturers created their own trade organization in a bid to ruin Interbike. A Bicycle Industry Organization spokesman said Thursday that the group has not seen a copy of the suit.