German growth

Continued growth in German PTW sales

The good news in new motorcycle registration terms in Europe continues with the latest data from the IVM, the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, showing that total PTW registrations in March were up by 16.7 percent (25,302 units) over March 2013, and that for the three months of the year to date, registrations are up by 25.4 percent at 38,375 units.

This marks the strongest first quarter performance in Germany since 2008, and puts March back to pre-recessionary levels.

In motorcycle registration terms, March saw a 14.6 percent growth (19,141 units) with the year to date showing a 24.8 percent increase at 28,617 units.

With the exception of 2012 (19,996 units), that is the strongest March motorcycle sales performance in Germany, and the strongest first quarter performance since the downturn began.

March is traditionally the strongest month for new PTW and motorcycle registrations in Germany, so if the trend continues for April (traditionally the second strongest month), then the German market will be well on the way to posting genuine growth in 2014, and a 36 month cycle since January 2012 of improvement when only 3 (weather-hit) months have shown anything greater than a 1 percent decline in motorcycle registrations.

Yamaha sales up

Yamaha sales up in "developed markets"

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd net sales in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 were up by 16.8 percent at 1,410.5 billion yen (+ 202.8 billion yen). Increased motorcycle sales in Indonesia and India, and increased outboard motor sales in North America, in addition to the effects of the depreciating yen, are said to have led to an increase in sales in all businesses.

Net sales of motorcycles overall increased by 129.5 billion yen from the previous fiscal year, to 928.2 billion yen (+16.2 percent), with operating income of 8.4 billion yen.

Unit sales in "developed markets" increased due to the introduction of new models in Japan and North America, and sales in Europe improved in the second half, leading to an overall increase. Unit sales in emerging markets, while up in India (where scooter demand is expanding) and Indonesia (where demand is recovering), they decreased in Thailand and Vietnam (where the economic slowdown is continuing), leading to a slight decrease overall.

As a result, overall global unit sales decreased slightly, but net sales increased due to model mix improvements and the effects of the depreciating yen. Regarding operating income, despite active expenditure on development and sales promotional costs in developed markets and the costs associated with structural reforms in Europe, cost reductions and the effects of the depreciating yen led to increased income.

In other Yamaha news, the company has received a prestigious Red Dot award in the Product Design category, following up on the iF design award it received in February.

Sold primarily in Europe since September 2013, the MT-09 features a newly-designed engine developed along the lines of the 'Cross-plane' concept, with a mass-forward design that is said to deliver linear torque in response to rider throttle input.

The latest new product news from Yamaha has seen the company (belatedly?) follow Piaggio into what Yamaha is terming the LMW (Leaning Multi Wheel) class, with the launch of the 'TRICITY' 125 cc automatic transmission commuter model.  Yamaha have a patent pending on the LMW designation, as definition for vehicles with three wheels or more that lean through corners like a motorcycle.

It will be launched on the Thai market in April 2014 and is Yamaha Motor's first multi-wheeled production vehicle, and represents what the company describes as "our long-term vision of a growing world of personal mobility". Developed under the concept of a "New Standard City Commuter" model, the new 'TRICITY' is said to achieve the same ease of operation characteristics of an automatic transmission motorcycle, and is the first in what the company says will be a series of LMW designs as it endeavours to populate and grow this new commuter vehicle market category.

The 'TRICITY' is a "global model" that will be manufactured in Thailand, and plans call for sales to begin in Europe and Japan before the end of 2014.

ACEM

Alternative fuels Directive

ACEM, the Brussels based motorcycle industry trade association for Europe, has welcomed the European Parliament vote on the Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels - describing it as "a first step towards common standards", but say that "much remains to be done".

 

"The motorcycle industry is particularly pleased that the final text responds to ACEM's views regarding the inclusion of L-category vehicles (mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles) and the need for a technology-neutral approach that does not favour any alternative fuel over the other.

"The industry also welcomes the recognition that L-category vehicles running on alternative fuels have the potential to contribute to meeting the EU's ambitious climate and energy targets for 2020".

ACEM went on to say that while most L-category vehicles are well suited for electric power, due to their intrinsic characteristics of being small, light and specialised, vehicles running on alternative, low emissions fuels such as electricity and hydrogen still represent a low share of the L-category fleet.

"Increasing the availability of public charging points could change this situation and facilitate the deployment of L-category vehicles powered by alternative fuels, particularly in urban and suburban areas.

"The adoption of common standards for electric chargers is of paramount importance for the industry. The standards currently being prepared by CEN/CENELEC under Mandate M/468 of the European Commission should ensure European-wide interoperability and guarantee the required safety and security level for the consumer”.

CEN (the European Committee for Standardisation) and CENELEC (the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation) are two of the three primary officially recognised European Standardisation Organisations that develop and agree the safety and quality standards for consumer products.

"ACEM strongly believes that recharging points for L-category vehicles should be equipped with connectors of Type 3A. This solution would avoid a multiplicity of different cables and adaptors and retrofit costs for switching to different charging systems. Moreover it would help to create a secure investment climate for L-category vehicle manufacturers and would prevent the risk of stranded assets resulting from interim solutions".

ACEM points to the risk that "first movers in the field of electromobility could be penalised by this new legal framework and calls again on policy makers to ensure that L-category vehicles already in circulation in the EU that are fitted with a domestic plug are able to recharge after the entry into force of this Directive".

Commenting on the outcome of the vote ACEM Secretary General Jacques Compagne said: “The removal of minimum national targets for recharging points [has] significantly watered down the Commission’s proposal. 

"While the compromise reached by the Parliament and the Council is not perfect, it paves the way for more technical predictability, something that L-category vehicle manufacturers require.

"The next step now is to ensure that appropriate standards are approved by CEN/CENELEC and that the necessary delegated acts, catering for electric and hydrogen L-category vehicles, are adopted by the Commission. Further work at national level will be required in order to deploy the necessary infrastructure”.

www.acem.eu

O'Neal Europe

2Wheel-Distribution rebrands as O’Neal Europe

As of April 1, 2014 UK and Germany based distributor 2Wheel-Distribution (2WD) changed its name to O’Neal Europe GmbH & Co. KG, and will be responsible for all O’Neal international sales and marketing outside of USA, Australia, and New Zealand.

The company says that it has grown European sales of the O’Neal brand 700% since its inception in 2006 - success that Thomas Schwarz, 2Wheel-Distribution’s President, attributes “to satisfied B2B channel partners”. “The basics are always the most important. Being able to deliver a quality product, on time, to your customers is where their satisfaction begins”.

2WD (O’Neal Europe) say that their success can also be attributed to “familiarity with different European cultures, languages, and the individual requirements for each market.” Their multi-lingual sales team consists of 28 agents, four country managers, one export manager, and six in-house sales agents.

Schwarz says that the logistics and sales network the business has built serves 18 distributors and some 2,000 dealers across Europe, and that it is a “truly global” brand boasting 46 distributors and manufacturing plants in five countries across the globe.

American Report 17th April 2014

Polaris adds Wisconsin based Kolpin to its off-road vehicle and accessory line-up

POLARIS Industries continues on the acquisition trail, buying Kolpin Outdoors, Inc., a privately owned, Wisconsin-based company that is best known for its off-road vehicle (ORV) accessories, and branded and private label powersports accessories and outdoor lifestyle products. This acquisition adds further to Polaris’ growing parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) business. “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 line-up of exceptional products and deep consumer and retail relationships will help Polaris expand their aftermarket accessories portfolio and enhance their traditional and online distribution channels”.

Founded in 1943, Kolpin products will continue to be sold under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands, with customised private label products available through its Premier O.E.M. business. Speaking for Kolpin, President and CEO Tom Lutes said that “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, lifestyle brand focus and a rich heritage in product innovation”.

In 2013 Polaris posted sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris specialises in snowmobiles and off-road vehicles, and having established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with Victory, the company added the Indian Motorcycle brand two years ago and launched the first models in a new range at EICMA in November last year.

This isn't the company's first play on the utility off-road vehicle sector, having bought the French Aixam Mega business four years ago, and having made a play for the on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with the acquisition of American "neighbourhood electric vehicle" (NEV) manufacturer Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), and Bourran, France-based specialist Goupil Industrie SA, a manufacturer of on-road, commercial electric vehicles. Other strategic investments by Polaris in recent years have included acquisition of the Klim apparel brand.

www.polaris.com

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The MIC is to stage its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on May 19-20, 2014. The decision to host their event in the US capital is designed to give its membership (which now includes dealers as well as motorcycle manufacturers and aftermarket vendors) the opportunity to join the MIC’s ongoing mission to maintain a high profile for motorcycle industry concerns.

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BMW of North America has recalled 4,453 motorcycles and scooters to replace the side stand switch - models affected include C 600/650, F 700/800 and R 1200 variants. BMW said the problem was traced to a tooling change at the supplier, Toyo Jiann Tsang Electric Co. Ltd. in Taiwan.

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The MIC has launched what it calls its 'MAX database', a "New Model Attribute Matrix" designed to help improve product compatibility by providing information that can help manufacturers improve product capability by compiling, into one database, model specifications for motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and ROVs. The database is said to include more than 40 attributes for nearly all models from leading brands dating back to 2004.

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American Honda has had to recall some 7,000 2013 CB/CBR 500s for replacement of rocker arm shaft retaining bolts that may have been manufactured incorrectly, allowing them to loosen during engine operation.

Erik Buell Racing

EBR stages successful debut at MotoDays in Rome

ERIK Buell Racing (EBR), the US manufacturer of supersport motorcycles, made their first public appearance in Europe at MotoDays in Rome on 6–9 March. The EBR 1190RX was launched in October 2013; EBR Europe was founded a short time later with head office in Alkmaar (The Netherlands), headed up by former Triumph and Zero Motorcycles man Edwin Belonje. 

"Following an initial get-acquainted tour of selected motorcycle dealers in several European countries, MotoDays in Rome was the official public opening of EBR in Europe. Two main reasons for choosing MotoDays were the strong tradition of sport bikes in Italy and the timing, just before the start of the motorcycle season," commented Belonje.

"Since then we have had many constructive conversations with interested dealers, and I expect to be able to officially designate several EBR dealers in the near future. This means we are making great progress in setting up our European dealer network." 

The EBR 1190RX weighs just 190 kg, and its 1190-cc V-twin engine delivers an impressive 185 HP with 138 Nm of torque, and remarkably low emissions. The multi-function digital instrument cluster enables the rider to adjust performance parameters such as traction control, and it provides access to numerous other functions including track performance data, service intervals and system diagnostics.

Amphibious

Tank bag valve allows excess air to be removed

ITALIAN outdoor activity specialist Amphibious say "versatility and protection" is the name of the game with their air-free new motorcycle tank-bag.

Their "100 percent waterproof" design features a valve that allows the excess air to be removed, making the bag as small and compact as possible - the 25 litre capacity can be reduced to as low as 15 litres while still full of the rider’s items.

Doubling up as a backpack, Amphibious say the concept has been developed from their experience manufacturing "professional containers” for several outdoor activities (Amphibious are suppliers to the Italian Mountain Rescue Corps and the Italian Navy amongst others), and that their motorcycle-specific design incorporates many of the same technical features that they have developed for extreme use.

Weighing 650 grams, it is made of sturdy yet lightweight TPU, which is not stitched but seamed, using high frequency welding/bonding, with removable anti-shock sidewalls, a reinforced padded base, two side pockets, reflective stripes, D-rings and PVC handle.

The “motorcycle set” created by Amphibious also includes two different side bags, universal mounting bags, their FLUO range, leg bags, hip bags, backpacks and self-inflating cushions.

AMPHIBIOUS S.r.l.

Lesmo (MB), ITALY

Tel. +39 039 6065 879

info@amphibious.it

www.amphibious.it

Massimo Tamburini

Massimo Tamburini
 
LEADING motorcycle designer Massimo Tamburini has died at the age of 70. For over 13 years Tamburini was Head of the MV Agusta Design and Engineering Division at CRC (Centro Ricerche Castiglioni) in San Marino, designing Cagiva, Ducati and MV Agusta motorcycles with Claudio Castiglioni.

Massimo Tamburini, seen here right, with Claudio Castiglioni

Regarded as one of the greatest motorcycle chassis engineers of the 20th century, with the self-made frame of the MV Agusta 750 Sport launching him onto the international stage in the early 1970s, he was one of the founders of Bimota. In a career that made him the 'go-to-guy' of the Italian motorcycle industry his design credentials include the Ducati Paso 750, the hugely admired Ducati 916, the MV Agusta F4, and the current Brutale models.

Giovanni Castiglioni, President of MV Agusta, said that “Massimo was one of the legends of the motorcycle industry. He was a great designer, but above all he was truly passionate about motorcycles. He left our company a precious heritage and will always occupy a place of honour in the industry”.

MV Agusta denies sale rumours

MV Agusta denies sale rumours, first quarter up 22 percent

AFTER seeing a 2013 full-year increase in sales of 20 percent, Varese, Italy based MV Agusta has followed that up with 22 percent growth for the first three months of 2014.

Giovanni Castiglioni categorically denies that any negotiations are taking place for a sale of a share of MV Agusta to the Fiat-Chrysler Group

The company says that new motorcycle registrations in Italy “have also taken off, with MV Agusta taking a market share of over 10 percent. Growth is being driven by the new Rivale 800 and Brutale 800 Dragster models, as their sales performance continues to outstrip expectations”.

MV Agusta’s President, Giovanni Castiglioni, said that “I’m extremely satisfied with the results of the first quarter. I’m confident that the second quarter will see a continuation of this trend. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to deny rumours circulated by the media over the last few days concerning supposed negotiations with regard to the sale of a share of MV Agusta to the Fiat-Chrysler group.

Rivale 800

“No such negotiations are taking place, nor have we ever done so. My goal is to ensure MV Agusta maintains significant levels of growth while remaining a family business that draws on the incredible passion my father passed on to me and my collaborators; it is a passion that still inspires us to design and build genuine two-wheeled gems”.

LeoVince exhausts

LeoVince back into new product activity

More good news for the Italian LeoVince exhaust brand following their widely reported difficulties this past winter, with a return to new product introduction activity.
The LeoVince NERO is a new exhaust system "especially dedicated to motorcycles and maxi scooters. This new product combines a modern design with an aggressive look" and is "perfect to give a special touch of power and style", according to the company.
Features include a new stainless steel sleeve in a ceramic based black metallic finish that is said to give improved high temperature resistance and thermal and mechanical stress tolerance.

Available for selected motorcycles and maxi scooters, the TIG welded stainless steel LeoVince 'NERO' line of exhausts is available as slip-ons or full systems and features a high-tech heat and stress resistant ceramic based coating and carbon fibre end caps

The company says that "the silencer’s shape is the result of a development that redefines the LV ONE line through a precision design study that combines style, finish and performance in full accordance with regulations."
Available in two different sizes, according to the motorcycle model, it has durable and versatile easy-fit AISI stainless steel brackets, is TIG welded, and has "asymmetric and aggressive cut" carbon fibre end caps for long life good looks and weight saving.
The company says that all the silencers in their NERO line are EVO II homologated with an extractable dB-killer, and available as slip-ons or full systems for a wide range of selected models and years, including the T-Max 530, X-Max 400, Burgman 650, KTM 1190 R Adventure, Triumph Tiger/ Explorers, Piaggio MP3 400/500, Kawasaki 750/800, Honda Integra and Suzuki GST 750.

www.leovince.com

BMW Motorrad

BMW has record March and 1st Quarter

BMW Motorrad say that they had just had their best ever first quarter, with worldwide sales up by 16.1 percent (at 28,719 units compared to 24,732 in the first three months of 2013.

BMWs R 1200 GS is their top selling model in Europe

Heiner Faust - "March was the most
successful in the company's history"

March saw the company sell 15,183 units, up by 16.2% (motorcycles and maxi scooters) over the 13,067 sold in March 2013 - making March this year the best ever monthly sales performance in the history of the company.

Heiner Faust, Head of Sales and Marketing at BMW Motorrad, said: "We got off to an excellent start to the new motorcycle season. In the first three months of this year we have supplied more motorcycles and maxi scooters than ever before in a first quarter. What is more, last month was the most successful in the company's history. Never before have we sold as many vehicles in March."

Though the positive result had a lot to do with worldwide demand, not least in the United States. The company says that "the first quarter was pleasing in Europe too. Southern European markets are seeing significant growth compared to the previous year. The strongest individual market for BMW Motorrad continues to be Germany, followed by the US, France, Italy, Brazil and Spain."

KTM sales up

KTM sales up 15.6 percent in 2013

KTM achieved its highest sales numbers in 2013, with 123,859 bikes sold worldwide, including those sold by Bajaj, KTM’s partner in India.

Unit sales were up 15.6 percent in 2013, helping the company achieve a turnover of €716.4 million (up 17.1 percent from 2012).

KTM are targeting an annual capacity of over 100,000 units for their Mattighofen, Austria factory this year

Among the highlights for KTM in 2013 were the launch of the 1190 Adventure and the 390 Duke. Despite the continuing market decline for most of last year KTM say they achieved an 8.5 percent market share in Europe.

For 2013, EBIT increased 49.5 percent to €54.9 million; EBIT margin grew to 7.7 percent, up from 6.0 percent in 2012. The company increased headcount last year, by 147 additional personnel (up 8.6 percent), for a total for 1,849 employees by the end of 2013.

Gone are the days of overweight/underpowered adventure bikes - KTM's 1190 is radically different to the 990 it replaced, is one of a number of bikes from a number of manufacturers that have reignited consumer enthusiasm for the class, and one of a number of product launches that have been powering KTM sales in the past few years and reinventing the meaning and reach of the brand

KTM say they expect further increases in sales, turnover and market share in 2014, and plan to invest €68 million on new development projects and the expansion of buildings and capacity. The production capacity at KTM headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria, is planned to increase to more than 100,000 units this year.

www.ktm.com

ACEM releases registration figures

European motorcycle registrations showing growth

According to the latest registration figures released by ACEM, the Brussels based motorcycle industry trade association, a total of 121,478 powered two wheelers (PTWs) were sold in Europe in January and February 2014 - an increase of 8.6 percent compared with the 111,879 units sold in January and February of 2013.

ACEM is reporting that “most of the largest European markets performed well on a year-to-year basis. Sales increased in key markets, including Germany (+24.1%), Spain (+8.7%), UK (+4.2%) and France (+1.8%). The Italian market for PTWs, however, contracted by 3%” – though by the recent standards of the Italian market this actually represents a better start to the year than has been seen there for a long time.

When analysed without sales of small cc models, the motorcycle segment did even better – it grew by 14.8 percent during the first two months of the year, representing good news for dealerships as it would appear that the selection of more expensive machines available to consumers are the primary drivers of growth at this stage.

85,742 motorcycles were sold in January and February 2014 in the EU, whilst 74,673 were sold during the same period of the previous year.

Key European markets for motorcycles have performed well during the first two months of the year. Year-on-year sales have increased in Germany (+47.8%), Spain (+14.8%), France (+10%), UK (6.6%) and Italy (0.5%), with other European markets also experiencing growth – the only two exceptions being Ireland and Romania.

The small cc sectors continue to be under pressure - during the first two months of 2014 registrations fell by 4.3 percent compared to the same period in 2013. This figure, however, represents a substantial improvement compared to the January results on a year-on-year basis (-15.2%).

ACEM says that “it is clear that the small cc sectors continue to be the most affected by the economic downturn. All key markets for small cc models contracted during the first two months of the year”. Registrations in Germany decreased by 28.5%, in Italy by 18.9%, in Spain by 16.1%, in France by 12% and in the UK by 4.6%.

Hevik jacket and gloves

Parka rain jacket & Tiburon Gloves

THIS new rain jacket from Hevik is 100% water- and windproof and made from polyester 190T laminated PVC. It has heat sealed seams, a net internal lining, rear air intakes and elastic adjustment at waist and bottom. Closure at the wrist is with Velcro, and there are two frontal waterproof pockets. The nonremovable hood is foldable at the neck and the jacket also features reflective fabric inserts. Sizes S to XXXL in black.

In addition these black Tiburon gloves are long gloves made from a soft shell fabric and have an internal breathable membrane, which is wind- and waterproof. Other features include Clarino leather palm reinforcement and grippy reinforcement at palm finger tips.
Protections on knuckles and finger tips as well as side protections are made from TPU material. There is also a frontal waterproof zip and fitting adjustments with Velcro at the back cuff.

HEVIK S.r.l.
Brescia, ITALY
Tel. +39 030 2680 374
info@hevik.com
www.hevik.com

Puig new accessories

Puig launching new accessories for Triumph Daytona 675/R

NEW from Puig for the 2013/14 Triumph Daytona 675/R is the Z-Racing screen, which is 30 mm higher than stock and provides an improved windblast protection while maintaining aerodynamics. Its design has been studied by use in a virtual wind tunnel and it features a precise fit, mounts with stock hardware and does not require any modification. It also has a rounded edge and a shadow on the lower part of the screen (only on light smoke, colours and clear) to cover bulks and cables behind the speedometer.

Racing footpegs are available in black and other colours and have a rotational system to adjust as preferred and provide an increased grip to improve touch and confidence when riding, having a precise fit, are sold in pairs and are available for rider and passenger.

The R12 sliders will protect the bike in case of tip overs. Made of nylon and with rubber on top to protect rider from knee hits. Supplied with specific hardware for a precise fit and instructions, the pucks are available in different colours.

 

PUIG HI-TECH PARTS
Barcelona, SPAIN
Tel. +34 938 490633
info@puig.tv
www.puig.tv

MAG merges with Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice

Vance & Hines, Performance Machine, Kuryakyn owner (MAG) merges with US distribution giant Tucker Rocky

The owner of Fort Worth, Texas based distributor Tucker Rocky (Lacy Diversified Industries/LDI of Indianapolis) has announced that it has acquired a majority ownership position in the Irvine, California headquartered Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG).

The deal to acquire a majority ownership position in MAG is being described as a "merger" between MAG and the Tucker Rocky operation.

MAG is best known as the owner of Vance & Hines, Performance Machine, Kuryakyn, Progressive Suspension, J&P Cycles, Mustang Seats, UK based off-road specialist Renthall and a number of other high profile specialist motorcycle industry parts and accessory brands and manufacturers.

Tucker Rocky is one of the largest motorcycle parts, accessory and apparel distributors in the United States, often cited as being second only is sales revenue and volume terms to the LeMans Group (Parts Unlimited/Europe).

Although their 'third-party' product portfolio is substantial and involves them in all the primary powersports industry sectors in the United States, here in Europe Tucker Rocky is probably best known for own-brand product lines such as the MSR (Malcolm Smith Racing) off-road apparel and parts programmes, Answer Racing off-road gear, apparel and accessories, and their ProTaper hard parts and accessories range, which includes the top-selling ProTaper handlebars programme.

According to the text of a March 27 statement released by all three parties, LDI "will become the majority shareholder of the combined company", with Leonard Green & Partners, (L.P. - the current majority shareholder of MAG) and other existing MAG shareholders (which includes the former owners of many of the group's subsidiary brands) retaining "a significant minority interest in the combined company".

LDI states that it "has been a major participant in the powersports industry for 25 years through its ownership of Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice" and the company says that "when the deal is finalised J.A. Lacy, President and CEO of LDI, will become Chief Executive Officer of the combined company" and that the new entity "will operate under the Motorsport Aftermarket Group name".

Brian Etter will continue in his role as President of MAG’s "branded product, media and online retail operations", with Dan Courtney continuing as President of Tucker Rocky.

MAG Chairman, shareholder and original founding partner Arnie Ackerman is quoted as saying that “the strategic merit for this combination stems from the highly complementary product and service offerings of each of these businesses”.

For the new parent company, J.A. Lacy is quoted as saying that “long-term success for the company will be built by bringing enhanced selection, service and solutions to powersports dealers in order to drive retail sales growth”.

Lacy Diversified is an American institution, specifically an Indianapolis institution, owing its origins to a business founded there in 1912 by Howard Lacy. The Lacy Diversified name was adopted in 1972 to reflect the evolution of the group and now, 102 years since it was founded, it is still owned and operated by the Lacy family, with Andre Lacy as Chairman and his son, J.A. Lacy, representing the fourth generation of the family, as CEO and President.

Lacy say theirs is a "build and hold" business ownership strategy, and point to their 25 year ownership of Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice as testimony to their long-term investment approach.

Tucker Rocky owes its origins to Texan Ed Tucker's 1967 wholesale motorcycle oil business and the subsequent expansion and diversification following Bob Nickell's purchase of the business in 1972.

The business became Tucker Rocky (TR) in 1986 following the purchase of Rocky Cycle, and was acquired by Lacy Diversified Industries in 1989. Tucker Rocky is a strictly wholesale operation that claims it sells over 100,000 products to all sectors of the motorcycle and wider powersports market, through seven domestic US distribution centres.

MAG was founded in 2000 by Arnie Ackerman and his partners and the San Francisco based equity investor Duff Ackerman and Goodrich (DAG), with the specific intention of acquiring, financing and developing leading motorcycle aftermarket parts and accessory brands and manufacturers.

As the man who had largely guided the acquisition strategy and driven development of the Group, Arnie Ackerman retained a shareholding in MAG in 2006 when DAGs interest was acquired by Leonard Green & Partners - the Los Angeles based equity investor with current involvements in well known American consumer brands such as Petco, The Sports Authority, J Crew, Lucky Brand Jeans, the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, and the London based fashion retailer Top Shop.

Although details are confidential, it would appear that the structure of the deal will mean that Ackerman, and several of the former principals of the businesses that MAG has acquired, will now, effectively, also have a stake in Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice. The deal is subject to regulatory scrutiny but is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014.

J A Lacy is the fourth generation of his family to head up Indianapolis based Lacy Diversified Industries (LDI) and will become CEO of the combined company, which will operate under the Motorsport Aftermarket Group name (MAG)

Following the retirement of Steve Johnson at the end of 2012 Dan Courtney became President of Tucker Rocky and will continue in that role following the merger

Brain Etter continues in his role as President of Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) the parent company of well known parts and accessories brands such as Vance & Hines, Kuryakyn, Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension, J&P Cycles, Mustang Seats and UK based offroad specialist Renthall

www.ldiltd.com
www.maggroup.com
www.tuckerrocky.com
www.bikerschoice.com