New ownership is looking to breath new life into one of the most well-known snowmobile and ATV manufacturing companies and brands.
Arctic Cat has been acquired by former Arctic Cat executive Brad Darling and an investment group, as of April 23, 2025.
Darling was with the powersport company for 17 years prior to leaving in 2016 to lead Ontario-based amphibious vehicle manufacturer ARGO.
Due to softening demand, Textron Industries, the publicly-traded company that bought Arctic Cat in 2017, announced plans in late 2024 to suspend production indefinitely at the company’s two main facilities in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, Minnesota. More than 400 employees were to be laid off this spring.
“Today is the start of a new chapter, one where Arctic Cat returns to the race, but with a powerful understanding: this race is never-ending, and we intend to lead,” said Darling, in a April 24 news release.
“We seek to continue Arctic Cat’s investment in its brand, products, people and dealers, extending its positive momentum. As a permanent fixture of Thief River Falls, Minnesota for over 63 years, this iconic brand has benefited from the passion of not only the employees but also the entire community. We are now able to wipe away any uncertainty and are looking ahead with great excitement,” continued Darling.
Darling will continue to lead both companies, but each brand will be owned and operated separately.
While snowmobiles remain part of rural lifestyles across much of Canada and northern parts of the U.S., the entire industry has been hit with declining sales. After more than 50 years making snowmobiles, Yamaha previously announced it would stop making them after the 2025 model year.
