Ownership has changed hands for US motorcycle maker Indian Motorcycles. This follows the sale of a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle by current owners Polaris to real estate and private equity firm Carolwood.
Indian Motorcycle will continue to operate as a part of Polaris until the deal is complete, which is expected to occur in early 2026. Indian’s manufacturing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Monticello, Minnesota will transition to the new standalone motorcycle company as a part of the deal.
Meanwhile, Indian Motorcycle’s industrial design and technology center in Burgdorf, Switzerland will also transition to the new firm, taking place after the deal is finalised, with Ploaris retaining a small equity. Carolwood has tapped industry veteran Mike Kennedy as CEO of the new Indian Motorcycle Company.
Kennedy brings over 30 years of leadership experience, including executive roles at Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines, and most recently RumbleOn, the nation’s largest powersports dealership network. Polaris has owned Indian Motorcycle since 2011, with the brand making its debut in Malaysia the same year under previous Indian Motorcycle distributor Naza.
Source: Indian Motorcycle bought out by Carolwood, becomes independent company, Polaris retains small equity
