Mahindra Buys 100 percent of BSA

Rennie Scaysbrook | October 27, 2016

Giant Indian concern Mahindra has bought legendary British marque BSA for a rumored £3.4 million ($4.1 million). The purchase was made through Mahindra’s subsidiary Classic Legends PTY LTD, and completes a long held ambition from the company to acquire a classic British marque that has potential for the U.S. and European market.

British brands are massive in India, thanks to the success of Royal Enfield and the like, and the opportunity to acquire BSA for a rather small sum considering its international fame was too good to pass up for the Mahindra board.

Mahindra were reported to be considering making an offer to purchase Norton, but consequently backed out in favor of the BSA deal. BSA hasn’t made a new motorcycle since the late 1970s but continues to license brand across the world, pulling in a touch over $34,000 last year.

Mahindra’s purchase of BSA further strengthens its foothold in the international motorcycle industry. They already own 51 percent of Peugeot Motorcycles (who produce scooters), and have their own Moto3 team. It also puts them a bit further up the chain of Indian manufacturers who market their product internationally, alongside TVR (who partner with BMW) and Bajaj, who have a partnership with KTM.