Yanmar and AriensCo join forces
Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. (“Yanmar”) and AriensCo announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration unites two family-owned companies with a long-standing tradition to drive industry innovation and create new value for dealers and customers.
Today, Yanmar and AriensCo announced a strategic partnership that unites two family-owned companies with a long-standing tradition. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies and deliver even greater value to dealers, customers, and partners of both companies. As part of this partnership, Yanmar, a Japan-based manufacturer of engines, agricultural machinery, and energy systems, will become the majority partner of AriensCo. The Ariens family will retain a significant stake in the company and continue to lead its operational management and strategic direction from its existing headquarters in Brillion, Wisconsin.
Both companies will continue to operate as usual under their respective brands, from their current headquarters, with the same teams and their existing production and distribution networks. Ariens®, Gravely®, AS-Motor®, and all associated brands will uphold their commitments to dealers, customers, employees, and the community.
“Strong relationships have always been at the heart of AriensCo’s strategy. We are convinced that this new partnership with Yanmar is the right next step to position our company as a leader in research and development while maintaining the same commitment to quality and durability that our brands have always been known for,” said Dan Ariens, Chairman & CEO of AriensCo. “As a family-owned company with a history spanning more than 100 years, Yanmar shares our belief that family ownership is a competitive advantage. This partnership ensures continuity by placing family ownership at the core of AriensCo. It enables both companies to look beyond short-term business development and create long-term value for our dealers, customers, partners, and communities worldwide. Together, we are stronger.”
Through this partnership, Yanmar and AriensCo are positioning themselves as leading companies in the development of the next generation of machinery and equipment. As automation, artificial intelligence, electrification, and complex global supply chains transform the industry, the quality, durability, and trust standards that both companies have upheld for decades will remain intact. Yanmar’s world-class expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and diagnostics, combined with AriensCo’s established production and distribution networks in North America and Europe, will enable the partners to compete at scale while maintaining the quality, durability, and trust standards that both companies have upheld for decades.
The partnership will also open new opportunities for AriensCo’s nationwide dealer network. Over time, dealers will benefit from a broader range of products and technologies, enhanced service and diagnostic resources, and access to Yanmar’s global business network. AriensCo will continue to prioritise the personal, relationship-driven service that has defined the company from the start.
“AriensCo has built trusted brands and strong customer and dealer relationships over generations,” said Takehito Yamaoka, President and Representative Director of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. “Together, we strive to create greater value for customers, dealers, and the communities we serve. This partnership will also establish a solid foundation for the long-term growth of both companies. We look forward to building a lasting partnership based on our shared values.”
In this transaction, AriensCo was advised by Baird as financial advisor and Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. as legal advisor. Yanmar was advised by JP Morgan as financial advisor and Arnold & Porter s.c. as legal advisor.
About AriensCo
AriensCo is a privately owned manufacturer of outdoor power equipment based in Brillion, Wisconsin. Founded in 1933, the company is now led by its fourth and fifth generations, with Chairman and CEO Dan Ariens and his sons, President Nicholas Ariens and Chief Revenue Officer Stephen Ariens. AriensCo produces equipment under the Ariens®, Gravely®, and AS-Motor® brand names. For more information, visit https://www.ariensco.com/.
About Yanmar
Yanmar is a pioneer in diesel engine technology and a global leader in innovation across a wide range of industrial applications. The company manufactures small and large engines, agricultural and construction machinery, energy systems, marine products, as well as machine tools and components. Yanmar’s global business activities span seven sectors. For more information, visit https://www.yanmar.com/global/about/.
