Mahindra to Buy Norton or BSA?

Yes! When the rumours first surfaced, even we were taken aback! Why would Mahindra be interested in a British motorcycle brand that is way past its golden years? Well, it so seems that it is indeed trying to find out whether buying out Norton and BSA will be feasible or not.

Mahindra is one of the foremost manufacturers when it comes to passenger vehicles and tractors. The Indian company is known to specialise in manufacturing SUVs. Mahindra's first ever takeover of a foreign brand was that of Ssangyong, a Korean carmaker, in 2011. Last year, it bought 51 per cent stake in Peugeot Motorcycles as well and now has its eyes set on these two British companies.

Currently, both Norton and BSA are not exactly brands which are blooming in business. The Norton company, under its current CEO, Stuart Garner, has around 4-5 motorcycles that it is selling in the UK. The sales figures are nothing to boast about but there is presence at least. BSA, on the other hand, is a brand that just about exists. It will take Mahindra a lot of effort to bring BSA back into the thick of things.

Trying to gauge the thinking of Mahindra, we would like to make an educated guess and say that Mahindra would like to tie up with either of these manufacturers, use Peugeot's technology and two-wheeler knowhow and begin manufacturing two-wheelers for maybe Europe/India. Of course, all of this is speculation at this point of time. Norton would love to use the investment made by Mahindra and try and develop new models. If Mahindra chooses to invest in BSA then maybe we can see new models being manufactured and sold under the BSA name, with very little connection to the brand's heritage.

Some reports say that representatives from Mahindra have already met Norton and BSA officials and a deal might be announced in the coming few months.

(Source: Visordown)