Indian Motorcycle sale promises "better ownership experience"

Indian Motorcycle is officially under new ownership, with Carolwood LP acquiring the iconic brand from off-road vehicle manufacturer Polaris.

The deal means that Indian will once again operate as a “fully independent” business focused solely on motorcycles.

Polaris owned Indian Motorcycle for 14 years but announced last October that it would sell its majority share to private equity and real estate firm Carolwood LP.

The finalized agreement includes 900 employees who will transition to the new Indian Motorcycle Company, while manufacturing will continue in existing facilities such as Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Monticello, Minnesota. R&D will also continue in existing facilities in Burgdorf, Switzerland, and Wyoming, Minnesota.

New CEO Mike Kennedy, a motorcycle-industry veteran, says he is “honoured” to take the reins of the long-standing brand and is committed to “delivering an even better ownership experience and a stronger dealer network.”

“It’s an incredible honour to take the helm of Indian Motorcycle as it celebrates its 125th anniversary, empowered by a sense of gratitude and opportunity, and the support and ambition of a well-resourced, highly motivated ownership team,” said Kennedy.

“We will achieve our vision through a deeper level of differentiation, leaning in on what makes our brand unique, and with products that possess a style, craftsmanship, and performance quality that is uniquely justified by our historic legacy and spirit of innovation.”