It's spring, and that means motorcycles are back in season. Polaris must be in a buying mood, as the recreational vehicle giant announced that it has purchased Indian Motorcycles. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed, but the move has certainly given Polaris a stronger foothold in the American-made motorcycle market. Polaris also owns Victory, which makes cruiser and tourer bikes that compete directly with models from Harley Davidson.
Polaris hasn't announced any specific plans for Indian Motorcycles, but the post-jump press release does say that the motorcycle maker will operate as an autonomous brand. Polaris CEO Scott Wine says he's excited to be part of the revitalization of America's first motorcycle builder, adding, "With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known."
Though the Indian name has been around for over a century, the company was only last restarted in 2006, and the first motorcycles from the reborn brand were sold as 2009 models. The company couldn't exactly take on Harley Davidson in that short a span, but the addition of Polaris know-how and a fully stocked parts bin from which to draw upon could give Indian a big boost. Hit the jump to read over the Polaris press release.
[Source: Polaris]
Polaris hasn't announced any specific plans for Indian Motorcycles, but the post-jump press release does say that the motorcycle maker will operate as an autonomous brand. Polaris CEO Scott Wine says he's excited to be part of the revitalization of America's first motorcycle builder, adding, "With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known."
Though the Indian name has been around for over a century, the company was only last restarted in 2006, and the first motorcycles from the reborn brand were sold as 2009 models. The company couldn't exactly take on Harley Davidson in that short a span, but the addition of Polaris know-how and a fully stocked parts bin from which to draw upon could give Indian a big boost. Hit the jump to read over the Polaris press release.
[Source: Polaris]
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle. The business was acquired from Indian Motorcycle Limited ("IML"), a company advised by Stellican Limited and Novator Partners LLP, U.K. Private Equity firms. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"We are excited to be part of the revitalization of a quintessentially American brand," said Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries Inc. "Indian built America's first motorcycle. With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known."
With this acquisition, Polaris adds one of motorcycling's legendary brands to its strong stable of Victory cruiser and touring bikes. Indian will operate as an autonomous business unit, building upon the potent combination of Polaris' engineering acumen and innovative technology with Indian's premium brand, iconic design and rich American heritage.
"We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Polaris. Polaris will utilize its well-known strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution to complete the mission we undertook upon re-launching the brand in 2006: harness the enormous potential of the Indian brand," said Stephen Julius, chairman of Indian and managing director of Stellican. "Polaris is the most logical owner of Indian Motorcycle. Indian's heritage brand will allow Polaris to aggressively compete across an expanded spectrum of the motorcycle market."
Novator Partners LLP is a London based alternative investment firm founded and led by the investor Mr. Thor Bjorgolfsson. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Bjorgolfsson said "After a troubled past, our goal was to bring the legendary Indian bikes back on the roads. The initial phase of that project is done and now our great partners at Polaris will carry on the work to realize the full potential of this classic American brand."
"We are excited to be part of the revitalization of a quintessentially American brand," said Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries Inc. "Indian built America's first motorcycle. With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known."
With this acquisition, Polaris adds one of motorcycling's legendary brands to its strong stable of Victory cruiser and touring bikes. Indian will operate as an autonomous business unit, building upon the potent combination of Polaris' engineering acumen and innovative technology with Indian's premium brand, iconic design and rich American heritage.
"We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Polaris. Polaris will utilize its well-known strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution to complete the mission we undertook upon re-launching the brand in 2006: harness the enormous potential of the Indian brand," said Stephen Julius, chairman of Indian and managing director of Stellican. "Polaris is the most logical owner of Indian Motorcycle. Indian's heritage brand will allow Polaris to aggressively compete across an expanded spectrum of the motorcycle market."
Novator Partners LLP is a London based alternative investment firm founded and led by the investor Mr. Thor Bjorgolfsson. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Bjorgolfsson said "After a troubled past, our goal was to bring the legendary Indian bikes back on the roads. The initial phase of that project is done and now our great partners at Polaris will carry on the work to realize the full potential of this classic American brand."
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