For the week of January 9th, 2022. Here are a couple of stories that came across my desk that I think are relevant and interesting to the powersports business community.
- COVID strikes again – Canceled: Parts Unlimited Louisville NVP
From Lemans –
Due to unmanageable risks associated with the omicron variant of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is with heavy hearts that LeMans Corporation announces the cancellation of the 2022 Louisville NVP Product Expo that was scheduled for Jan. 29-30, 2022.
After very careful consideration, the decision was made with what we feel is in the best interest and safety of the industry.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause.
2. Arrowhead Engineered Products Acquires Western Power Sports
Synergy of brands, global distribution, and financial strength to fuel growth for companies & dealer customers
BLAIN, MN, January 7, 2022 – Arrowhead Engineered Products (Arrowhead), a global leader in aftermarket parts distribution, today announced the acquisition of Western Power Sports (WPS), a powersports distributor known for its exceptional dealer service model and owned powersports brands. WPS serves nearly 12,000 customers with more than 150 sales reps and seven U.S. distribution centers. With both Arrowhead and WPS rooted in powersports and parts distribution, dealers and consumers will continue to enjoy the diverse product offering and exceptional customer service.
John Mosunic
“This acquisition is an important step in our growth strategy and aligns with our mission–to be the largest off-road aftermarket parts supplier in the world,” said John Mosunic, CEO of Arrowhead. “WPS, a leading powersports distributor in North America, has a tremendous reputation with its dealer network and I’m thrilled to have their team lead our powersports segment. The combined power of Western Power Sports’ trusted distribution and dealer network with Arrowhead’s additional brands, global distribution footprint, and best-in-class supply chain network creates a powerful team giving dealers a wider selection of quickly available products.”
Newly appointed WPS Chief Operating Officer, Steve Lester, replaces former owner Craig Shoemaker at the helm and added, “Through the sale process, we spoke with several quality companies that expressed interest in WPS–Arrowhead was the only company with an excellent cultural fit and matched our commitment to customer service.”
Steve Lester
Familiar global powersports brands built by Arrowhead include those under the All Balls Racing Group (ABRG): All Balls Racing, Vertex Pistons, Cylinder Works, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Pivot Works, and Tiger Lights. These do not include a dozen brands also owned by Arrowhead focused on outdoor power equipment, agriculture, arborist, golf cars and other specialty equipment. Likewise, brands owned, built, or exclusively distributed by WPS include FLY Racing, Sedona Tire & Wheel, Open Trail, Shinko Tires, Fire Power, HardDrive, Highway 21, SP1, LC, GMAX, Rale, ScorpionEXO, Alpinestars, POD and more.
“Western Power Sports is a strong strategic fit with a complementary product offering and a passion for providing great service to dealers and consumers,” concluded Mosunic. “We will work together to ensure this combination supports our customers and benefits the entire industry.”
Wells Fargo Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to Western Power Sports.
3. ASSAULT INDUSTRIES ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION BY SUPERATV
Garden Grove, CA – Assault Industries Announces Acquisition by SuperATV
SuperATV, an innovative family owned and operated company has acquired Assault Industries, Inc. Super ATV embarked on its journey from the Hunt family garage in 2004 and has grown to be an industry leader in the off-road space, producing great aftermarket products to feed an increasingly voracious enthusiast market.
Assault Industries, Inc. began at a small family-owned machine shop in Garden Grove, California back in 2013. Marcelo (CEO) and Manuel (Lead Engineer / Partner), both UTV enthusiasts, started designing parts for their own Polaris RZR UTVs in their spare time. From very simple ideas, the company grew quickly, making products for the UTV/SXS off-road Industry. Through clever marketing and a focus on the riding lifestyle, Assault Industries gained a cult following of enthusiastic patrons, eager to customize their vehicles with the latest and greatest parts.
In a statement issued on their social media, Assault Industries director of marketing said:
“We have been hard at work building Assault Industries up over the last 9 years and take a great deal of pride in where we came from. Today we embark on a new journey that is both surreal and intensely exciting! We look forward to continuing to develop awesome products that drive the off-road enthusiast community with our new broadened reach as part of the Super ATV family.”
Visit www.assaultind.com, call (714) 799-6711 or email [email protected].
4. The show must go on! AIMExpo begins next week in Las Vegas.
