On April 19, 2011, Goodwin client Thunder Motorcycles Limited closed the sale of Indian Motorcycle Company and Indian Motorcycle International, LLC, to Polaris Industries, Inc.
Founded in 1901, Indian was America’s first motorcycle company, producing some of the industry’s most iconic models and becoming the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. In recent years, Indian has continued to produce these legendary motorcycles on a smaller scale. The company’s instantly recognizable badge is still associated with premium products and its role in America’s manufacturing heritage by casual consumers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.
Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and the Polaris RANGER® Side X Side vehicles, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electric powered neighborhood vehicle.
The deal team included William J. Schnoor and Joseph C. Theis (Corporate); Scott A. Webster (ERISA); and Stephen G. Charkoudian (Intellectual Property).