Clearwater International advises Ardian and Norbert Dentressangle on the sale of AIXAM Mega group to Polaris Industries

Clearwater International and BDA have advised AIXAM’s shareholders (including Ardian, majority shareholder) on the sale of AIXAM Mega group to Polaris Industries.

For more than 25 years, Aixam Mega Group has been the European leader in the light quadricycle market with about 8,000 vehicles sold and sales of € 90m in 2012. Created in 1983, the Group distributes 2 brands: Aixam, dedicated to passenger quadricycles, and Mega, a commercial and electrical quadricycles range (B2B and B2C). The Group benefits from a unique distribution network in Europe with more than 400 retailers both under Aixam and Mega brands in around twenty countries. Aixam and Mega vehicles are produced in 2 manufacturing facilities in France (Aix-les-Bains and Chanas).

Following the transaction, Polaris Industries (US), manufacturer of snowmobiles and ATV vehicles listed on the New York Stock Exchange (2012 sales: $ 3,2bn, market cap.: $ 6,2bn), will own 100% of Aixam Mega Group’s shares. The company also manufactures motorcycles through its Victory Motorcycles subsidiary.