Indian Motorcycles: Polaris Selling Indian Motorcycle Majority Stake

"Indian Motorcycle's long-awaited independence has finally arrived. Polaris Inc., the parent company, has announced a deal to sell a majority stake in the iconic brand to Carolwood LP, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles. The move is expected to close in early 2026, with the Spirit Lake plant remaining fully operational. The facility, home to over 500 employees, will continue to focus on motorcycle production under the new ownership.
Polaris President of On Road and International Mike Dougherty described the separation as a strategic move to concentrate resources on the company's most attractive areas for growth. Dougherty also announced his intent to retire, marking a new chapter in Polaris' motorcycle history. The company's decision to separate Indian Motorcycle comes after launching Victory Motorcycles in the late 1990s and acquiring Indian in 2011.
The acquisition deal is expected to be accretive to Polaris' annualized adjusted EBITDA by approximately $50 million and to adjusted earnings per share by approximately $1.00. The Spirit Lake facility has been the heart of Indian Motorcycle production for years, and its employees will join the new Indian Motorcycle company in 2026. With this move, Indian Motorcycle is poised to embark on a new journey, solidifying its position in the market.
As Indian Motorcycle prepares to break free from its parent company, the brand's future looks brighter than ever. With the support of Carolwood LP, Indian Motorcycle is set to continue its growth trajectory, focusing on what it does best – crafting motorcycles that embody the spirit of adventure and freedom. The separation marks a significant chapter in the company's history, and fans can expect exciting developments in the years to come.",
"tags": ["indian motorcycles", "polaris", "carolwood lp", "private equity firm", "spirit lake", "motorcycle production"]
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