Polaris Acquires Indian Motorcycles

Polaris has acquired Indian Motorcycles, adding one of motorcycling's legendary brands to its Victory line of cruiser and touring bikes, according to a release issued today by Polaris

Polaris Industries Inc. acquired the Indian brand from Indian Motorcycle Limited, 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."

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," according to Polaris.

"We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Polaris," said Stephen Julius, chairman of Indian and managing director of Stellican. "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. 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 Thor Bjorgolfsson. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Bjorgolfsson said in the Polaris release, "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."