<< Announcement: POLARIS just bought out KLIM >>

[christopher]

SnoWest Magazine

POLARIS INDUSTRIES Acquires KLiM Technical Riding Gear

Addition of KLIM enhances Polaris offerings in the parts, garments and accessories market

MINNEAPOLIS (December 6, 2012) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of Teton Outfitters, LLC, a privately owned, Rigby, Idaho-based company which designs, develops and distributes KLIM Technical Riding Gear. Calendar year 2012 sales for KLIM are anticipated to approach $30 million.

KLIM is an industry leader in technical riding gear. This acquisition adds KLIM to Polaris’ growing parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) business. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The KLIM acquisition provides yet another growth opportunity for our PG&A business, a key contributor to Polaris’ top-line growth and profitability,” said Steve Eastman, Polaris’ vice president of PG&A. “KLIM is an established leader in the powersports apparel market with a strong track record of providing innovative, premium technical riding gear to a broad range of consumers. Adding an outstanding brand like KLIM, whose strengths complement our existing business, gives us a more complete PG&A product lineup, one which will flourish in the global market. We are excited to welcome KLIM employees into the Polaris family. With our common culture and vision, we believe this will be a mutually beneficial partnership for everyone involved.”

Polaris will maintain the KLIM brand positioning and name while continuing to drive its existing apparel brands. KLIM will continue operations in Rigby with its current staff. Polaris has plans to establish the Rigby facility as its new apparel Center of Excellence, bringing the unmatched capabilities, expertise and knowledge housed in Rigby to all Polaris branded apparel.

“I built KLIM with a passion for the category and a commitment to the world’s adventure snowmobile and motorcycle riders,” said Justin Summers, KLIM founder, president and CEO.

"We had a vision of making products that mattered, that solved problems and that were the best they could be. I am very proud of what we have built at KLIM, and I am fired up that the next chapter of the KLIM story will be written through our exciting partnership with Polaris. KLIM will now have the resources to reach the next level as we continue to innovate and lead into the future.”KLIM is known not only for superior quality, innovation and performance, but also for its understanding of riders’ needs and devotion to addressing them in its products. This passion underscores KLIM’s culture and vision, which in many ways mirror Polaris’ own guiding principles. KLIM was advised by The Meriwether Group.

 

[Rotax_Kid]

Interesting. I hope Polaris doesn't decide to change the glue Klim uses in some of the seams.

 

[christopher]

It will be more than a little interesting to see how this shakes out over the next couple years.

 

[AkHockey10]

Good for Polaris

 

[Blk88GT]

Polaris has pushed really hard in the last 5 years to bring the best talent to them, this is another feather in the cap and it will be really interesting to see how it turns out.

 

[←snow∞motion→]

Wonder how this will affect the Klim warranty.

Do I send it back to Polaris now? Wonder if we will still be able to get Yamaha blue colors, or now only stuck with red.

 

[Scott]

Holy crap!!!

Interesting to note that Polaris was using Event fabric....and then wasn't.
Now they have Klim.

 

[KSH]

Holy crap!!!

Interesting to note that Polaris was using Event fabric....and then wasn't.
Now they have Klim.

Maybe Polaris needed some better glue that Klim has

 

[KSH]

This is not correct "My Cat dealer is a Klim dealer and they informed him that they are canceling all dealerships , but did not say why"


KLIM and Polaris

As was announced earlier today, Polaris Industries Inc. has, in fact, acquired KLIM. While the ownership of the company has changed hands today, the KLIM brand fundamental function and focus has not and will not. fficeffice" />>>
KLIM is the leader in technical riding gear. And KLIM got to the top by going to work every day to tirelessly source the most advanced material technologies to put into the most innovative designs in riding gear. And that’s exactly what we continued doing after the exciting Polaris announcement this morning. >>
While there are some questions, speculation and assumptions coming up after such big news in the powersports industry, rest assured of a few things: KLIM will remain an independent business entity and it is “business as usual” going forward. >>
KLIM will continue to work in its existing facility in Rigby, Idaho with its existing (and growing) workforce. KLIM will continue to develop the same premium-quality products our customers expect. KLIM is still incredibly focused on supporting its fantastic group of dedicated dealers. Nothing about the way KLIM is or has done business is changing. >>
Justin Summers, KLIM founder and CEO, will continue his focus on continued product innovation, as he has throughout his career at KLIM, with the same passion for research, development, product innovation and customer service that has come to define the KLIM brand. >>
KLIM is proud to continue pushing the limits of apparel innovation and customer service and satisfaction. And we know the secret to our success in the future will be the same as it was in the past. >>
Polaris Industries’ acquisition of KLIM is exciting news. KLIM is thrilled to have such a solid resource foundation to base the future off of. Polaris is a global powersports leader with worldly reach that can increase visibility for KLIM. KLIM will benefit from increased international brand exposure as well as investments into what Polaris sees as a major growth area—apparel sales. >>
Here are some FAQ’s we’ve compiled. We hope they help answer questions you may have.>>
Co-branding of Polaris and KLIM products.
Polaris will not be co-branding KLIM with their existing apparel products. All of Polaris’ apparel brands will remain independent of each other. Polaris does not want to change what KLIM is doing to be successful—which is being the premium technical riding gear developer. >>
KLIM Dealerships
KLIM dealerships are the heart and soul of KLIM’s success. They have invested great amounts of time and money into selling the KLIM brand and that will never be taken for granted by the KLIM family. There will be no changes to the KLIM sales staff, strategies, dealership agreements, etc. More importantly, there will be no changes to KLIM dealerships’ status or standing regardless of what type of machines they sell.>>
What about the other brands Polaris owns or may acquire in the apparel realm?
Polaris is focused on letting KLIM do what KLIM does best—design and develop the best riding gear in the world. Future plans to develop KLIM’s home in Rigby, Idaho into the Polaris Center for Apparel Excellence are being developed. This is exciting and holds great opportunity for the local community. While it is possible additional brands will call Rigby, Idaho their home in the future, it’s incredibly important to remember that each brand will have a distinct, dedicated team (including product development teams) to ensure that each brand benefits from clear and distinct product positioning.
>Sid Huntsman>
>Klim Snow Sponsorship Coordinator>

 

[WaBackcountry]

Polaris has pushed really hard in the last 5 years to bring the best talent to them, this is another feather in the cap and it will be really interesting to see how it turns out.

Yes, Polaris has the best magic tricks too....Now you see your driveshaft, now you don't. Shazaam!

 

[gcmci]

My Cat dealer is a Klim dealer and they informed him that they are canceling all dealerships , but did not say why

Not true

 

[KSH]

Not true

I think you need to check your facts, sounds like his facts are correct

Edit
He is a first year dealer, and over the phone he said canceling all dealerships.

When I get to read the exact language I will update.


KLIM and Polaris

As was announced earlier today, Polaris Industries Inc. has, in fact, acquired KLIM. While the ownership of the company has changed hands today, the KLIM brand fundamental function and focus has not and will not. fficeffice" />>>
KLIM is the leader in technical riding gear. And KLIM got to the top by going to work every day to tirelessly source the most advanced material technologies to put into the most innovative designs in riding gear. And that’s exactly what we continued doing after the exciting Polaris announcement this morning. >>
While there are some questions, speculation and assumptions coming up after such big news in the powersports industry, rest assured of a few things: KLIM will remain an independent business entity and it is “business as usual” going forward. >>
KLIM will continue to work in its existing facility in Rigby, Idaho with its existing (and growing) workforce. KLIM will continue to develop the same premium-quality products our customers expect. KLIM is still incredibly focused on supporting its fantastic group of dedicated dealers. Nothing about the way KLIM is or has done business is changing. >>
Justin Summers, KLIM founder and CEO, will continue his focus on continued product innovation, as he has throughout his career at KLIM, with the same passion for research, development, product innovation and customer service that has come to define the KLIM brand. >>
KLIM is proud to continue pushing the limits of apparel innovation and customer service and satisfaction. And we know the secret to our success in the future will be the same as it was in the past. >>
Polaris Industries’ acquisition of KLIM is exciting news. KLIM is thrilled to have such a solid resource foundation to base the future off of. Polaris is a global powersports leader with worldly reach that can increase visibility for KLIM. KLIM will benefit from increased international brand exposure as well as investments into what Polaris sees as a major growth area—apparel sales. >>
Here are some FAQ’s we’ve compiled. We hope they help answer questions you may have.>>
Co-branding of Polaris and KLIM products.
Polaris will not be co-branding KLIM with their existing apparel products. All of Polaris’ apparel brands will remain independent of each other. Polaris does not want to change what KLIM is doing to be successful—which is being the premium technical riding gear developer. >>
KLIM Dealerships
KLIM dealerships are the heart and soul of KLIM’s success. They have invested great amounts of time and money into selling the KLIM brand and that will never be taken for granted by the KLIM family. There will be no changes to the KLIM sales staff, strategies, dealership agreements, etc. More importantly, there will be no changes to KLIM dealerships’ status or standing regardless of what type of machines they sell.>>
What about the other brands Polaris owns or may acquire in the apparel realm?
Polaris is focused on letting KLIM do what KLIM does best—design and develop the best riding gear in the world. Future plans to develop KLIM’s home in Rigby, Idaho into the Polaris Center for Apparel Excellence are being developed. This is exciting and holds great opportunity for the local community. While it is possible additional brands will call Rigby, Idaho their home in the future, it’s incredibly important to remember that each brand will have a distinct, dedicated team (including product development teams) to ensure that each brand benefits from clear and distinct product positioning.
>Sid Huntsman>
>Klim Snow Sponsorship Coordinator>

 

[dan8485]

I work deep inside this industry and they are not canceling dealers..... Did you not read the part where they are going to operate Klim as an independent company. These things move slow you will not see any major changes for the next few years.

 

[Scott]

So will Polaris still grant me a warranty with my motorfist stickers still on it?

 

[Dogmeat]

I forsee large jackets that vibrate themselves apart, wind breakers with prolific cuff ring failures, bibs with chronic zipper shaft failures, etc.... but it will be all good because they will get anthony kedis of.the red.hot.chili peppers as their spokesman or somethimg so people wjll.still buy it.

 

[Alex C]

The best just got better!

 

[they call me uno!]

Now the Poo owners can be towed back to the truck and not get cold or wet... Glue-Tex technology already in the works!

 

[HIDY]

LMAO this is great.

 

[christopher]

Was just over at KLIM corporate talking with the employees.
This came as a TOTAL SURPRISE to the entire staff.

No one at the office had a clue about this before this morning.

What a bombshell to walk into!

But...

All of them seemed pretty upbeat about it, not a one of them ventured a negative comment. But I am guessing none of them really know what it means long term just yet.

 

[KSH]

Not true

Sounds like you are correct and my friend blew some smoke up my azz.

KLIM and Polaris

As was announced earlier today, Polaris Industries Inc. has, in fact, acquired KLIM. While the ownership of the company has changed hands today, the KLIM brand fundamental function and focus has not and will not. fficeffice" />>>
KLIM is the leader in technical riding gear. And KLIM got to the top by going to work every day to tirelessly source the most advanced material technologies to put into the most innovative designs in riding gear. And that’s exactly what we continued doing after the exciting Polaris announcement this morning. >>
While there are some questions, speculation and assumptions coming up after such big news in the powersports industry, rest assured of a few things: KLIM will remain an independent business entity and it is “business as usual” going forward. >>
KLIM will continue to work in its existing facility in Rigby, Idaho with its existing (and growing) workforce. KLIM will continue to develop the same premium-quality products our customers expect. KLIM is still incredibly focused on supporting its fantastic group of dedicated dealers. Nothing about the way KLIM is or has done business is changing. >>
Justin Summers, KLIM founder and CEO, will continue his focus on continued product innovation, as he has throughout his career at KLIM, with the same passion for research, development, product innovation and customer service that has come to define the KLIM brand. >>
KLIM is proud to continue pushing the limits of apparel innovation and customer service and satisfaction. And we know the secret to our success in the future will be the same as it was in the past. >>
Polaris Industries’ acquisition of KLIM is exciting news. KLIM is thrilled to have such a solid resource foundation to base the future off of. Polaris is a global powersports leader with worldly reach that can increase visibility for KLIM. KLIM will benefit from increased international brand exposure as well as investments into what Polaris sees as a major growth area—apparel sales. >>
Here are some FAQ’s we’ve compiled. We hope they help answer questions you may have.>>
Co-branding of Polaris and KLIM products.
Polaris will not be co-branding KLIM with their existing apparel products. All of Polaris’ apparel brands will remain independent of each other. Polaris does not want to change what KLIM is doing to be successful—which is being the premium technical riding gear developer. >>
KLIM Dealerships
KLIM dealerships are the heart and soul of KLIM’s success. They have invested great amounts of time and money into selling the KLIM brand and that will never be taken for granted by the KLIM family. There will be no changes to the KLIM sales staff, strategies, dealership agreements, etc. More importantly, there will be no changes to KLIM dealerships’ status or standing regardless of what type of machines they sell.>>
What about the other brands Polaris owns or may acquire in the apparel realm?
Polaris is focused on letting KLIM do what KLIM does best—design and develop the best riding gear in the world. Future plans to develop KLIM’s home in Rigby, Idaho into the Polaris Center for Apparel Excellence are being developed. This is exciting and holds great opportunity for the local community. While it is possible additional brands will call Rigby, Idaho their home in the future, it’s incredibly important to remember that each brand will have a distinct, dedicated team (including product development teams) to ensure that each brand benefits from clear and distinct product positioning.
>Sid Huntsman>
>Klim Snow Sponsorship Coordinator>