The strategic partnership will expand Yanmar’s capabilities into the outdoor power equipment sector under AriensCo’s established brands and dealer networks, while allowing it to flex its global business and engineering prowess to develop the next-generation outdoor power technologies, the company says.
Yanmar Holdings Co. is the parent company of Yanmar Compact Equipment, which produces excavators, wheel loaders, tracked carriers, compact track loaders, skid steers and attachments. Yanmar Holdings Co.’s portfolio of products also includes a wide range of industrial equipment: small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, energy systems, marine, machine tools and components.
Both companies will continue to operate independently, with the Ariens family retaining “a meaningful ownership interest” in the company and continuing to lead strategy and operations from its Brillion headquarters, according to the joint announcement. AriensCo will continue to manufacture and distribute its Ariens, Gravely and AS-Motor lines.
Powered byThe combined companies aim to foster new innovation, sustainable growth and greater value for customers and dealers as automation, electrification, alternative fuels, artificial intelligence and global supply chains continue to increasingly impact the outdoor power equipment sector.
“AriensCo has built trusted brands and strong customer and dealer relationships over generations,” said Takehito Yamaoka, president and representative director of Yanmar Holdings Co. “Together, we aim to create greater value for customers, dealers and the communities we serve. This partnership will also provide a strong foundation for the long-term growth of both companies. We look forward to building a lasting partnership founded on our shared values.”
Over time, the partnership is also expected to create new opportunities for both respective dealer networks, including access to broader product and technology capabilities, enhanced service and diagnostic resources, and a stronger operational foundation in North America, supported by Yanmar’s global business network.
Both family-owned companies say they remain committed to maintaining continuity for employees, dealers and customers, as well as the “personal, relationship-based service” that has been a core tenant of their businesses.
“Strong relationships have always been at the core of AriensCo’s strategy, and we are confident this new partnership with Yanmar is the right next step to position our company as an R&D leader while maintaining the same commitments to quality and longevity that have always distinguished our brands,” said Dan Ariens, chairman & CEO, AriensCo. “As a family business with a history spanning more than 100 years, Yanmar shares our belief that family ownership is a competitive advantage. This partnership provides continuity by keeping family ownership at the heart of AriensCo. It allows both companies to look beyond short-term business performance and focus on delivering long-term value to our dealers, customers, partners and communities around the world. We are stronger together.”
The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions. No closing date or purchase price was provided.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as the financial advisor to Yanmar Holdings, Co. and Arnold & Porter s.c. is serving as legal advisor. Baird is serving as the financial advisor to AriensCo and Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. is serving as legal advisor.
