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Powersports Business • May 2025 • 3

According to news first reported by our sister publication Snow Goer, Arctic Cat Vice President and current Argo President Brad Darling, along with an investment group that owns a significant stake in Argo / Ontario Gear & Drive Corporation, has purchased Arctic Cat from Textron.

In a press release issued April 24, Argo says Darling will lead both companies, which will be technically owned and operated separately. The press release came from the Argo marketing manager.

Terms of Arctic Cat’ s purchase by this group from Textron have yet to be disclosed, but this is big news for both the snow market and the off-road powersports market. More details will be released later on the purchase and Arctic Cat’ s 2026 product line. Below is the full press release:

RENEWAL OF PASSION FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

( THIEF RIVER FALLS, April 24th, 2025) – Former Arctic Cat executive, Brad Darling, and an Investment Group acquire the Thief River Falls-based manufacturer of snowmobiles, ATVs and Side-by-Sides.

Newly appointed CEO and president of Arctic Cat, Brad Darling, is eager to start moving the brand forward, stating,“ The pursuit of the checkered flag is in Arctic Cat’ s DNA. It’ s what we were built on. Like anyone who has ever grabbed the throttle, it’ s a relentless drive that pushes us forward and sparks our passion. Today is the start of a new chapter, one where Arctic Cat returns to the

Fox Powersports has announced the acquisition of Lakeside Motor Sports & Marine and Nelson’ s Speed Shop, expanding its powersports presence across Michigan. This move adds two new powersports and 10 premier marine brands to Fox Powersports’ lineup.

With six locations now representing 38 brands, Fox Powersports is growing its powersports and marine industry presence across the region in addition to its automotive dealership portfolio. Lakeside Motor Sports & Marine and Nelson’ s Speed Shop will continue serving their communities under new names:

• Fox Powersports Lakeside( Mecosta, MI) – Featuring Can-Am, Indian, Kawasaki, Legend Trailer, Polaris, Sea-Doo and Ski-Doo;

• Fox Marine Lakeside( Mecosta, MI) – Featuring Alumacraft, Bennington, Crest, Honda Marine Motors, Manitou, Mercury, Qwest, Starcraft, Suzuki Marine and Yamaha Outboards; and

• Fox Powersports Nelson’ s Speed Shop( Greenville, MI) – Featuring Alumacraft, Bennington, Can-Am, Crest, Honda, Honda Marine Motors, Honda Power Equipment, Kawasaki, LEGEND Trailer, Manitou, Mercury, Polaris, Qwest, Sea- Doo, Ski-Doo, Starcraft, STIHL, Suzuki Marine and Yamaha Outboards.

“ Bringing these well-established dealerships into the Fox Powersports portfolio enhances our ability to deliver premier products and service to even more customers across Michigan,” says Daniel DeVos, chairman and CEO of Fox Powersports.“ The Lakeside and Nelson’ s teams have built incredible legacies based on trust, expertise,

Last year, Textron announced it was putting Arctic Cat up for sale and shutting down operations at its Thief River facility. The company continued to produce aftermarket parts and honor warranties, but production of new machines was shut down.( Photo: Country Cat / Facebook)

race, but with a powerful understanding: this race is never-ending, and we intend to lead.”

Since taking ownership of Arctic Cat in 2017, Textron Specialized Vehicles invested a great deal of time and resources to keep the brand and its technology at the forefront. This dedication was most recently proven with the release of the all-new Arctic Cat 858 C-TEC2 engine and Catalyst snowmobile chassis.

“ 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

and passion. We know Fox will continue to provide the top-tier service that the customers know and love while bringing exciting new opportunities to the communities.”

Both locations have been staples in their respective communities— Lakeside Motor Sports & Marine, founded in 1998 by Ed Richter, have been a trusted name in powersports and boating, while Nelson’ s Speed Shop has been a Greenville fixture for over five decades, originally established in 1971 by Jack Nelson, and owned by the Richter family since 2014.

“ We have always been committed to customer service, and I know that the Fox Powersports team will carry that forward,”

Fox Powersports Lakeside is located in Mecosta, Michigan, and features Can-Am, Indian, Kawasaki, Legend Trailer, Polaris, Sea-Doo, and Ski-Doo.( Photos: Fox Powersports)

Brad Darling was VP and general manager of Arctic Cat’ s snowmobile division from 2011-2016.( Photo: Snow Goer)

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.

After a 17−year tenure at Arctic Cat, Darling assumed the role of CEO and president of ARGO in 2016, where he remains today. Founded in 1967, ARGO is the worldwide leader for amphibious Xtreme Terrain Vehicles( XTVs). Their unmistakable six- and eight-wheeled amphibious vehicles are well known for their ability to“ Go Anywhere.”

See Arctic Cat, Page 4

says Ed Richter, former owner of Lakeside Motor Sports & Marine and Nelson’ s Speed Shop.“ My family and I thank our customers, community, and employees for their support over the years— you are all family.”

The new locations join the powersports division overseen by director Tim Crawford. Fox’ s powersports division now inclues Fox Powersports Grand Rapids, Fox Powersports Peacock, and Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson.

The company says it is retaining key leadership from the existing teams, including the following:

• Mitchell Richter – General Manager, Fox Powersports Lakeside

• Niel Maneke – General Manager, Fox Marine Lakeside

• Danielle( Dani) Maneke – General Manager, Fox Powersports Nelson’ s Speed Shop

“ Tim Crawford has done an outstanding job leading our Powersports division, and we’ re excited to see that leadership continue as we expand,” says Diane Maher, president and chief operating officer of Fox Powersports.“ At the local level, Mitchell, Niel, and Dani understand what makes these dealerships special, and we’ re excited to build on that foundation. Their passion and commitment to the community ensures that customers will receive the same great service from Fox they’ ve come to expect.”

With this acquisition, Fox Powersports now operates six locations across Michigan, contributing to Fox Motors’ overall portfolio of 45 locations and 63 powersports and automotive brands.

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