New era of freedom for Indian Motorcycle begins as Carolwood LP officially assumes ownership control of America’s first motorcycle company.
Closure of Acquisition Agreement with Polaris Inc. Opens Dynamic New Chapter for Iconic American Brand, Focused on Domestic Manufacturing and Intensified Clarity and Focus as a Stand-Alone Business.
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, announced today that Carolwood LP has officially closed its agreement with Polaris to acquire the historic American motorcycle business. The deal’s closure marks the beginning of a dynamic new era for the iconic American brand as a fully independent business focused solely on motorcycles.
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Under the leadership of new CEO and motorcycle-industry veteran, Mike Kennedy, Indian Motorcycle embarks on its next chapter as a stand-alone company, intent on building upon the brand’s significant momentum and elevating it to an even higher level of global relevance and success. 2026 marks the 125th Anniversary of Indian Motorcycle, a milestone that only increases the timeliness and significance of this historic transition.
“It’s an incredible honor 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, CEO for the Indian Motorcycle Company. “2026 will be a special year to honor our history, but more importantly, to drive the brand into the future with a renewed level of commitment, focus and clarity that can only be found as a stand-alone company.”
Kennedy and Carolwood are committed to a long-term strategy centered on delivering an even better ownership experience for riders and stronger, more focused support for the dealer network. This means concentrating investment in the motorcycles, technologies, and experiences riders value most. Sharpening performance, elevating craftsmanship, and deepening the connection to the unmistakable character that defines Indian Motorcycle. The result is a brand that shows up with greater clarity, higher quality, and a stronger connection to the riding community. Today and for the road ahead.
“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,” said Kennedy.
Indian Motorcycle’s future will be built alongside its global dealer network. The company is committed to delivering the number one dealer experience in the industry – partnerships built on trust through transparency.
Dealers are our most important partners, and we will judge our business based on the success of our dealers,” said Kennedy. “We intend to be extremely collaborative with our dealers, actively listening to their feedback and incorporating it into our planning and decision-making, not only in terms of dealer operations, but also product development and marketing.”
The finalized acquisition agreement includes approximately 900 employees that now transition to become part of the new Indian Motorcycle Company. Indian Motorcycle will base all manufacturing out of the company’s existing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Monticello, Minn., while continuing its industrial design and technology and product development out of its existing research and development centers in Burgdorf, Switzerland and Wyoming, MN. Sales, service and support for Indian Motorcycle dealers and customers will continue seamlessly under new ownership and leadership.
“America’s first motorcycle company will put America first,” said Kennedy. “Our brand and business will be grounded in our American identity and more importantly, American manufacturing. ‘Built in America’ is not a slogan. It’s a competitive advantage, and we intend to use it.”
For more information regarding Indian Motorcycle products, dealers and services, visit IndianMotorcycle.eu, or follow along on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about Carolwood LP, visit www.carolwoodlp.com.
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About Indian Motorcycle
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivalled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion are reignited under new brand stewardship.
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Original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk and published by Frank Duggan. Frank is the Founder and Editor of Modern Classic Motorcycle News, an independent motorcycle publication covering modern classic motorcycles, roadsters, scramblers, cruisers, electric motorcycles and the wider motorcycle industry.
