Clarification on Loan and Transaction Claims
BERLIN, January 28, 2026 — Sportstech Brands Holding GmbH (“Sportstech”) addresses the multiple public statements issued by Interactive Strength Inc. (Nasdaq: TRNR) concerning Sportstech, and clarifies that, in Sportstech’s view, the core claims within those statements are both legally and factually inaccurate.
Sportstech has met all valid, legally enforceable claims against it in the past and will continue to do so going forward. The company explicitly refutes any suggestion otherwise. In this regard, Sportstech has notified TRNR that the claims TRNR has put forward are not for the amount it alleges. After a thorough legal assessment, Sportstech is certain that both the initial loan agreement signed on January 27, 2025, and its later extension on May 22, 2025—all governed by German law—are invalid under German legal provisions.
Where TRNR has stated publicly that enforcement or asset realization processes (including a purported sale of company shares) are unavoidable, Sportstech deems these statements to be misleading. Sportstech has already taken legal action to secure formal clarity under German law, which applies to the alleged obligations. So far, no lawsuit filed by TRNR in Germany has been delivered to Sportstech. The company is also evaluating its potential claims as a plaintiff against TRNR related to these issues.
The actions Interactive Strength Inc. has mentioned publicly involve complex, disputed legal questions, whose resolution usually demands substantial time, financial investment, and legal work. From Sportstech’s standpoint, these are not simple or rapidly resolvable matters but rather potentially long-drawn-out and expensive disputes. Nevertheless, Sportstech is confident that its legal stances are solid and that both ongoing and expected legal proceedings have a high likelihood of success.
Additionally, Sportstech clarifies that there has never been a fully signed purchase agreement for TRNR to acquire Sportstech. Any documents referred to as binding only acted as a foundation for further talks. Critical economic and structural terms of a possible deal were not finalized before negotiations ended.
The public perception that Sportstech asked for a waiver of interest or other claims is also incorrect. Instead, Sportstech challenges the legal validity of the claims made against it and has consistently and proactively communicated this stance to TRNR.
Sportstech will meet all its obligations insofar as they are legally binding. It will not consider satisfying claims that are merely asserted but not legally proven or properly supported. At the same time, Sportstech remains open to constructive, legally compliant discussions with TRNR—including the amicable resolution of any actual obligations and the recovery of wasted costs from the terminated negotiations.
Given this context—and since no enforcement proceedings are currently known in Germany, and Sportstech is the only party to have started legal action in this country—an auction of shares is not anticipated to be possible, especially not in the first quarter of 2026. If any proceedings are launched, they will likely be lengthy and expensive for all parties involved. Sportstech has already expressed its willingness to negotiate; however, TRNR has not responded to this offer via its legal representatives. Instead, third parties have offered to mediate. The two sides are still in the early stages of exploring a potential settlement.
Despite the ongoing dispute, Sportstech remains fully operational, continues its business activities without restriction, and pursues its strategic growth trajectory. Sportstech is confident that an agreement will be reached, but—if at all—for a significantly lower amount. The exact figure is part of ongoing negotiations and is being kept confidential to avoid undermining those talks.
Quote from CEO Ali Ahmad:
“The public statements from Interactive Strength Inc. paint a picture that does not align with the legal and factual reality. We strongly reject these claims and are confident in our legal standing. We also remain open to fact-based discussions grounded in applicable law. This legal dispute will not hinder Sportstech from pursuing its growth strategy.”
About Sportstech Brands Holding GmbH
Sportstech Brands Holding GmbH is a globally operating company specializing in home fitness, wellness, and lifestyle products, holding a robust market position across Europe.
Press Contact
Sportstech Brands Holding GmbH
Contact Person: Florian Taubitz
Position: Business Lawyer
Email: press@sportstech.de
Website: www.sportstech.de
