THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (Valley News Live) – Former Arctic Cat Executive and present ARGO CEO and President Brad Darling and an investment group have acquired Arctic Cat. The Thief River Falls-based company manufactures snowmobiles, ATVs and side-by-sides.
Textron Inc. announced the sale of its powersports business, including the Arctic Cat brand and its operations, Thursday. Textron’s statement reads: “We thank the talented and dedicated employees of Arctic Cat for their contributions during their time at Textron Specialized Vehicles, and wish them a bright future.”
Back in December, the company announced that production at their facilities in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud would stop sometime in the first half of 2025. That followed layoffs involving about 65 workers, a month earlier.
Darling, the newly appointed CEO and President of Arctic Cat, is eager to start moving the brand forward. He stated, “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 race but with a powerful understanding: This race is never-ending, and our intent is to lead.”
Since taking ownership of Arctic Cat in 2017, Textron Specialized Vehicles invested a great deal of resources to keep its technology at the forefront. Most recently, it released the all-new 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 brand has benefitted 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. Founded in 1967, ARGO is the worldwide leader for amphibious Xtreme Terrain Vehicles (XTVs). Darling will continue to lead both companies while leaning on potential synergies shared within the off-road segment. While each brand will be owned and operated separately, he says the brand alignment with ARGO is a perfect match, as Arctic Cat’s line of machines bring the passion on and off the trail, while the ARGO adventure starts where the trail ends.
