Love ’em or hate ’em, snow bikes are here to stay. And Polaris is making darn sure of that.
Last week, the Minnesota-based snowmobile manufacturer announced its acquisition of Timbersled Products Inc.—a privately owned company that designs and produces kits to convert dirt bikes into snow machines.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed but Polaris assured loyal Timbersled fans that the company “will continue to operate as a distinct brand and the operations will remain near Sandpoint, Idaho.”
Timbersled reaffirmed what Polaris stated by posting the following on its Facebook page:
Allen Mangum, founder and president of Timbersled, is pleased with the terms of the acquisition.
“Timbersled is excited to be a part of the Polaris family,” said Mangum in the official press release. “Timbersled’s success is built on a passion for delivering exciting products. We look forward to working with Polaris to take our product, customer relationships and the sport to the next level.”
Mangum formed Timbersled in 2001 out of a desire to improve his personal snowmobiles. He started by making lightweight snowmobile suspensions. Then in 2010, Timbersled came out with its first snow bike conversion kit and the rest, you could say, is history.
Mangum’s passion for the sport was apparently the reason why he decided to sell the company. That, and a concern for his employees.
According to a recent article published in The Coeur D’Alene Press, Timbersled was growing to a “vulnerable state.” But Mangum told the Press that the acquisition now gives them “100 per cent job security.”
The acquisition, however, has already proved beneficial for Polaris. Market analysts report that the company’s stock went up almost immediately after the announcement was made.
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