Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for Yanmar to acquire a majority ownership interest in AriensCo, a family-owned leader in outdoor power equipment for lawn and snow management. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. The Ariens family will retain a meaningful ownership interest, and AriensCo will continue to operate from Brillion, Wisconsin, under its existing leadership and brand identity.
The partnership brings together two multigenerational family-owned businesses with shared commitments to quality, innovation and long-term customer relationships. By combining AriensCo’s established brands, dealer network and rich history in the outdoor power equipment market with Yanmar’s global business foundation and engineering capabilities, the companies aim to foster new innovation, sustainable growth and create greater value for customers and dealers.
The partnership comes as the outdoor power equipment industry is being reshaped by automation, electrification, alternative fuels, artificial intelligence and increasingly complex global supply chains. By bringing together their respective capabilities, Yanmar and AriensCo will be better positioned to respond to these changes while continuing to meet the evolving needs of homeowners and professional customers.
“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 aim to create greater value for customers, dealers and the communities we serve. This partnership will also provide a strong foundation for the long-term growth of both companies. We look forward to building a lasting partnership founded on our shared values.”
The partnership is also expected to create new opportunities for the dealer networks of both AriensCo and Yanmar. Over time, dealers may benefit from broader product and technology capabilities, enhanced service and diagnostic resources, and a stronger operational foundation in North America, supported by Yanmar’s global business network. Both companies will continue to emphasize the personal, relationship-based service that has long been central to how they support dealers and customers.
“Strong relationships have always been at the core of AriensCo’s strategy, and we are confident this new partnership with Yanmar is the right next step to position our company as an R&D leader while maintaining the same commitments to quality and longevity that have always distinguished our brands,” said Dan Ariens, Chairman & CEO, AriensCo. “As a family business with a history spanning more than 100 years, Yanmar shares our belief that family ownership is a competitive advantage. This partnership provides continuity by keeping family ownership at the heart of AriensCo. It allows both companies to look beyond short-term business performance and focus on delivering long-term value to our dealers, customers, partners and communities around the world. We are stronger together.”
AriensCo will continue to operate under its existing company and brand identities, including the Ariens®, Gravely® and AS-Motor® brands. The companies remain committed to maintaining continuity for employees, dealers and customers as they move forward together. The partnership reflects the companies’ shared belief that the qualities associated with family ownership, including long-term thinking, trust and personal accountability, provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Yanmar Holdings, Co., Ltd. and Arnold & Porter s.c. is serving as legal advisor. Baird is serving as exclusive financial advisor to AriensCo and Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. is serving as legal advisor.
