Investment Group Completes Arctic Cat Buyout, Eyes Increased Powersports Market Share

It's official, or at least that is what I'm reading online, a member of ARGO's leadership team, along with a group of financial backers have acquired Arctic Cat from Textron Specialized Vehicles. It brings excitement for fans of Arctic Cat and renewed hope for the snowmobile industry that has seen some lean years. Here's what we know.

In a social media post shared by Country Cat, a Minnesota Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer, a press release as well as the phrase, The Cat Is Back, has garnered plenty of attention. The post was made around 10 this morning, and it reveals that an ARGO-employee, along with a group of financial backers, has finalized a deal to buy Arctic Cat and its facility in Thief River Falls.

An investment group has acquired Arctic Cat! Brad Darling will be at the reins and guide Arctic Cat into this exciting new chapter. The Cat is back!!!

The announcement was met with excitement, as well as closing the speculation surrounding what would happen to the beloved brand after Textron announced it would no longer be making Arctic Cat snowmobiles after this year, leading to concern from current Arctic Cat owners.

According to the press release from Arctic Cat: 

"Former Arctic Cat Executive and present ARGO CEO and President Brad Darling and an investment group have acquired Arctic Cat. The Thief River Falls-based company manufactures snowmobiles, ATVs and side-by-sides.

While each brand will be owned and operated separately, the brand alignment with ARGO is a perfect match, as Arctic Cat’s line of machines bring the passion on and off the trail, while the ARGO adventure starts where the trail ends."

The announcement didn't go into details as to what would happen with the St. Cloud facility. According to the marketing communication manager Mark Nigon, in an emailed response to the question what does this acquisition mean for St. Cloud's production facility?

"Arctic Cat is currently continuing existing operation and additional information will be released as it becomes available in the coming days"