Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of Kolpin Outdoors, Inc., a privately held, Wisconsin-based company that develops branded and private label powersports accessories.
Committed to innovation and growth, Kolpin is a leading aftermarket accessory brand delivering purpose-built and universal-fit Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) accessories and outdoor lifestyle products.
This acquisition adds Kolpin to Polaris’ growing parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) business. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Acquiring Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. creates a multitude of growth opportunities for our PG&A business, which is a key contributor to Polaris’ top-line growth and profitability,” said Steve Eastman, Polaris’ vice president of PG&A. “Kolpin is a trusted brand among ORV riders, hunters, outdoorsmen, and landowners who value the quality and reliability Kolpin builds into their powersports accessories. Their lineup of exceptional products and deep consumer and retail relationships will help Polaris expand our aftermarket accessories portfolio and enhance our traditional and online distribution channels.”
Kolpin products will continue to be sold under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands, with customized private label products available through its Premier O.E.M. business. Polaris will further develop Kolpin’s established brand by applying its product innovation and engineering acumen to Kolpin’s operations, and leveraging its existing dealer and consumer relationships to extend the brands exposure.
“It gives all of us at Kolpin great pride to become part of the Polaris family. Although different in size, we share many of the same values; small town roots, quality products, life-style brand focus and a rich heritage in product innovation,” said Tom Lutes, president and CEO of Kolpin. “I am confident the combination of Polaris and Kolpin will further enhance the value of our brand to both our consumers and distribution partners alike.”
Since 1943, Kolpin has a rich history of providing customers with a wide array of hunting products, accessories and innovative aftermarket solutions. Kolpin has an intimate knowledge of the outdoor lifestyle market that closely complements Polaris core powersports business.
About Polaris – Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel and Klim branded apparel. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.
About Kolpin – Since 1943, Kolpin has made no compromise in its thinking. After more than 71 years, it continues to innovate and engineer only the highest quality ATV and UTV accessories. Kolpin remains the leader in ATV and UTV product development and has repeatedly redefined the industry and patented innovations such as the world renowned Gun Boot cases and brackets, Stealth Exhaust, Dirt Works System and a large assortment of ATV and UTV Accessories. Kolpin is a leader in Powersports industry by design. It takes only the most highly innovative and engineered approach in the design of its products. Kolpin understands the needs of its customers because they too are ATV and UTV enthusiasts. Kolpin continues its tradition of innovation introducing another generation of new products to the market for ATVs and UTVs.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.
